Earlier today I shared the talk given by Mark one year ago. In it he spoke of Jesus being our friend and I mentioned how this has sustained our family during the past months. Mark liked knowing that Jesus was his friend and it was a favorite topic of his during the last couple of years. In Luke 12 Jesus begins a statement, “I say unto you my friends…” Here are a few other scriptures he enjoyed.

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends. John 15:14-15

Today I received this screenshot from a friend which encouraged me to share just a bit more on this topic.

I have included two videos and if you only want to watch one, well I would choose the second. They are both renditions of “Jesus Is My Friend” written by Brett Stewart of Millennial Choirs and Orchestras. This first one is just what I found on YouTube and I liked being able to see all of the lyrics.

From the mother of these children: “When I’m lost and when I roam, when I’m feeling all alone, I will find my way back home for Jesus is my friend.” As you listen to my children sing this so-called simple song imagine it with a full orchestra in the background and imagine that this song is written for you . . . because it is.”

I have heard it with this full orchestra and a large choir of small children. Amazing. For a treat you can watch a short version (on Instagram) of their youngest choir members singing this in concert.

Now imagine receiving this voicemail (from one of the sweetest ladies I know) one evening while we sat in the hospital just two days before Mark’s passing. I kept this on my phone but didn’t know how to share it on this platform so I had to make this little video:

I quickly grabbed the first few quotes on friendship that I found. I am reading them and sharing them with regard to the friendship between Jesus and those who love him.

• “A best friend is someone who believes in you even when you’ve stopped believing in yourself”
• “A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you”. 
• “Friendship is a golden chain, the links are friends so dear, And like a rare and precious jewel, it’s treasured more each year”
•  “In friendship, trust is not an addition, it’s the very foundation”
•  “True friends don’t expect perfection, but they do rely on your trust”

… And so, when a special friend has a birthday how to you focus on them? I am grateful to see the world focusing on this special birthday celebration of our God and Friend! Joy to the World!