“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10, ESV) Perhaps because this is the holiday season, I am more intentional about staying in touch with friends, both far and near. I think of friendship as a gift from God and cannot imagine a life without friends. A small group of church friends started what has become an annual tradition. Before Christmas we make plans to get together. We call it a party, but it’s nothing fancy and there’s no real agenda. It is simply a time of fellowship and friendship. The food is whatever…