Family. Mom. Dad. Brothers. Sisters. Grandparents. Aunts. Uncles. Cousins.

Family, for many of us, evokes wonderful feelings of meals together, holidays, vacations. For some, the word “family” brings disappointment, exclusion, rejection. For others, family becomes a synonym for neighbors, friends, co-workers. Whatever “family” means to you, it does have another meaning: Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the Church, Christians.

Over the next two months – May and June – millions of people around the world will celebrate family with two special holidays and a few events. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day have become important over the years as a time to honor moms and dads for their love and care for our families. Gifts, meals and time together are enjoyed by many.

Other important “family” events or times together include graduations, Memorial Day, and weddings. These special events mark our lives as we applaud the educational accomplishments of sons and daughters, commemorate family and friends who have served in the military, and rejoice with the bride and groom as they officially begin their lives together as husband and wife. Family and friends gather for these occasions to share their well-wishes, memories, and congratulations.

As the Family of God, we join with millions on our globe in prayer, service and ministry. We are truly brothers and sisters through the blood of Jesus. We celebrate the body and blood of Jesus through Holy Communion. We delight in salvation declarations and water baptisms. We come together to pray, praise, worship, preach, teach, learn, give and fellowship. We are: Christians.

The Body of Christ. The Church. The Redeemed. Family.

Let us celebrate our physical families and our spiritual families. Let us rejoice and be glad we have each other on this earth. Let us acknowledge our dependence on one another for support, care, love, friendship, and encouragement.

Let us together be The Family.