Celebrating Jesus and Super Seniors
Last week, our Harvesters (55+ group) celebrated a double blessing. We gathered together for our Christmas party to celebrate the birth of Jesus and, at the same time, we celebrated the birthdays of our "Super Seniors" who turned 90+ years old this year. We had over forty people in attendance and, in case you didn't know, our seniors know how to party! We had singing, devotional, recognition, birthday cake, ice cream, raffle, etc. There was so much on the agenda we had to cut out the games. Afterwards I needed a nap!
At WCCC, we are blessed to have eight people who turned 90 or more this year. This is remarkable when you realize the average lifespan in the U.S. today is about 78. Because of health and other circumstances, we don't see all of them at church on Sundays, but they are a symbol of God's faithfulness to His people and to us as a church. It's incredible to hear their life stories and how God has sustained them through the joys and trials of family life, the war, work, retirement, aging, etc.
Our Super Seniors (ages) are Mary Yoshida (100), Marge Kunihiro (100), Fred Oda (96), Toshi Oda (96), Ben Hara (96), Kazie Ishida (95), Clara Furukawa (90), and Stan Ishino (90). Fred, Toshi, Clara, and Marge (see the picutre) were able to participate in-person and Mary joined virtually. It was a wonderful time to celebrate their lives and renew relationship with one another.
Of course, we were celebrating Jesus' birthday too. Our Lord and Savior was born in a manger in Bethlehem and came to rescue and reconcile us. Christmas is about God's gift of salvation through His Son.
Through Jesus, God extends His love and faithfulness to each of us, whether old or young. But with our Super Seniors, I can certainly see God's hand at work at different points in their lives. He truly is faithful! Isaiah 46:4 says, "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." God is good and God is faithful! Let's give Him praise and worship as we celebrate Christmas this year!
Pastor Darren
