A Flame of Friendship

The much awaited Christmas lunch is here, a lunch we look forward to, before we part for the holidays. Am reminded of the first one, over a decade ago, when we gathered at a party hall to joyfully herald the Saviour’s birth . A time when our families , and children, participated in the glorious occasion. With passing time that changed , our spouses and children drifted away but the sisters stayed together.

It has been eleven marvellous years since we met, a group of wonderful Christian women, grounded in their faith, declaring their allegiance, with no hesitation, to God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ our Saviour, and the guiding Holy Spirit . Though a stranger at first, I was welcomed into their fold, into the sisterhood, with open arms, with no reservations, and no questions asked .

It was the start of a friendship a tiny ember, that grew with each passing year, and is now a strong flame . Meeting every Monday, to listen to the Word of God, we gathered in fellowship , as we worshipped, and prayed . Sometimes questioning, sometimes contributing, we supported each other’s learning, as we walked our spiritual path .

Burning like a candle , the flame of our friendship, casts an eternal light . Be it in times of trouble, or in times of celebration, we can lean on one another, for a helping hand. Be it in prayer, or a comforting word, be it in sharing our experiences, we find solace in each other, in all our circumstances, encompassed by the flame of our friendship , encouraged by the joint spirit of a sisterhood .

Oh there are many differences, there are difficulties sometimes, but they are all overshadowed by the burning flame of our friendship. There are no unkind words, no actions that are judged, among this group of gentle, spiritual friends . Gathering to celebrate this season of Christmas, as we share the joy, the warmth of togetherness, we feel the glow of a friendship that burns bright, a friendship that has stood the test of time.

We know not what lies ahead, the years to come maybe kind, or may not hold the best for us, but we know that we can rely on this friendship forged by our love for God and each other, to carry us through life’s perils . Sustaining one another, in thought and prayers, extending a hand in comfort and help when required , we will run this race, nurturing the flame of fellowship , cementing our relationship, with Christ in our midst.