Before Social Distancing

Remember that time when "social distancing" wasn't part of our vocabulary? Much less, part of our everyday conversation?

Remember that time when you heard "Corona," you just grabbed the limes for a refreshing drink?

Remember that time when our biggest struggle was making it to church before the first hymn began? Or not sitting on the dropped Cheerios in the pew for a crumbly bottom? Or keeping the kids to a low rumble?

It looks different now.

But what hasn't changed is that Jesus Christ comes to us in Word and Sacrament.

That where two or three are gathered in his name there he is also (Matthew 18:20);

That He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble (Psalm 46:1);

That in our Baptism we were saved through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).

And today, I'm thinking back to the day three years ago this little guy was baptized and clinging to the promises of Christ, the author and creator of our faith, who endured the cross, scorned its shame, and sits triumphantly at the right hand of God (Hebrews 12:2) so that we too were crucified with him, and we no longer live, but Christ lives in us (Galatians 2:20). And on the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ (Explanation to the 3rd Article of the Apostles' Creed).

This is most certainly true.

This little guy was baptized the day he was born in the hospital by his grandpa pastor, because we believe God's Word does what it says it does, and we believe in the power of Baptism.

And then a couple weeks later his Baptism was affirmed in church and we had a little gathering in our home to celebrate.

And I so look forward to more social gatherings in the future. In the home, yes, but especially in the church.

Nothing in my hands I bring; Simply to thy cross I cling.