Til Death Do Us Part

January 7, 2019

 Scripture

 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14 NRSV)

 Till Death Do Us Part

New Year’s Eve we raised our champagne glasses to celebrate the bride and groom who had just made lifetime vows of marriage. At the same time, we knew our friend Sharon was nursing her husband of 50 plus years of marriage as he approached death.

Two very different sides of the same commitment coin. We have happy memories of the party but now are remembering our good friend Holger Larsen who died on January 2nd.

Holger was my friend, neighbour, brother in Christ for over 40 years. He was part of the group that founded Touchstone and was our treasurer for our first 15 years. This one stings more than some because he also has been like an uncle to our children and another grandpa to our grandchildren.

Holger was the definition of good neighbour, dear friend and companion in following Jesus. He faced death with faith and equanimity, courage and love for his family.  As his body declined, the grace and truth of the one who became flesh still shone through.

 A Prayer for Today

Loving God, Christmas is about you becoming skin and bone in Jesus. To live among us but also even now to be with us in joy and sorrow. Give us faith to treasure the joyful moments, to live with courage and perseverance through the tough times and end our lives with faith and hope. In this new year help us see you in one another. …. For Jesus’ sake