Letter to the Congregations: 20th December 2025

Our Dear Brethren,

Because we’re family

And it’s so plain to see

For all eternity

We’ll be together, you and me

Now as we do our part

Keep dreaming in your heart

Of how we’ll always be

We’re family

These are lyrics are the chorus from a song titled “We’re Family” composed by Ross Jutsum who composed many songs and hymns for the Church of God. There are several songs that I remember hearing when I was very young that still come to mind occasionally. Sometimes the tune will pop into my head because I hear a similar tune or words that remind me of the lyrics. This song in particular always brings with it happy memories of growing up in the Church of God. It also reminds me of the Feast of Tabernacles and special music at services. It also reminds me of my family. That’s the power of music. It can bring to mind memories and feelings. Hymns and songs of praise that take their lyrics from the Bible have the power to teach us and help us memorize Scripture.

This song emphasizes the hope of the coming Kingdom of God and the peace of the millennial reign of Jesus Christ on earth. It also reminds listeners that God’s people are a family. We are in training to become permanent members of the eternal, spiritual, family of God. Just like in our human families, building strong family relationships takes effort, patience, endurance, and love. One of the most interesting and challenging parts of growing strong in God’s family is the fact that we all come from various family backgrounds — large families, only children, single parents, blended families etc. — each affecting how we interact with one another. The challenge is to put aside our bad habits and learn how to relate to one another like Jesus Christ, our elder brother, relates to us.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). Why is it so challenging to love one another? Or rather to show that love in a way that draws us closer to one another? So many times we fight and argue, we lose patience with one another, we blame others when they don’t meet our expectations, or we have difficulty forgetting offense. That’s not the example that Jesus give us of serving others and forgiving others.

Are we prepared to take on that challenge? Are we prepared to become family? And not just in name only but an actual family that takes care of, and loves, one another no matter what we go through? If we are willing to truly become the family of God by building up our relationships then we will have a family ready to take on challenges with us! We will have a family who will help us endure to the end! And we will have a family who will be together for all eternity! We better start working on our relationships with one another today so can become the family our Father wants us to be!

PS - Here’s a link to the song if you are interested in listening:

https://www.hwalibrary.com/cgi-bin/get/hwa.cgi?action=getacpresentation&InfoID=1459187782&page=10&return=acpresentation

Our love is with you,

Lewis VanAusdle

Pastor, United Church of God

NYC, NJ, CT, Malawi, Zimbabwe