Friday                                                 December 3, 2021
 
DO I ACCEPT THIS GIFT?
 
SCRPITURE READINGS:        Psalm 19:1-3 & John 14:6
 
A number of years ago I was invited by a friend to go on a whitewater rafting trip on the Colorado River — at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. As we began our trip, someone suggested — before a wave crashed over us — to look at the beautiful cloud formations and see if their shapes reminded us of anything. Some said it looked like a dog, others a truck, a whale, etc. That exercise has stayed with me ever since that day.
 
On sunny days I marvel as the clouds take on so many shapes. This tells us that God’s wonderful creativity is for us to enjoy (as Psalm 19:1-3 proclaims). It also reminds me during this Advent Season that God’s gift of love — a child in a manger — is coming. Not only do Matthew and Luke tell the birth story, but they join Mark and John to share the greatest story ever told — a love sent to us as summed up in John 3:16.
 
The Gospels tell us of the birth of the Christ Child, but they also serve as a witness to this Child growing into adulthood and showing us the Father. I stand with all believers in thanking the Creator God for this wonderful Gift — showing us what HE is like in His only begotten Son. So, the question becomes for every person — Do I Accept This Gift?”
 
As I read and study Jesus’ ministry, it becomes clear to me that I have a choice to make. Do I, like some, enjoy a cute baby on December 25, or maybe an interesting teacher and storyteller two thousand years ago, or do I believe He is the Savior of the world?
 
That question has needed to be answered ever since 33 AD when Jesus rose from the tomb after taking human sin upon himself three days earlier on a cross.
 
During his earthly ministry he proclaimed I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)
 
When I gaze at the clouds, I know God has shared his world with me. When I read John 14:6, I know that if I confess Jesus Christ as my Savior and share in his ministry, when my earthly journey is over, I shall have eternal life in God’s kingdom.
 
The baby Jesus of Bethlehem brought this promise to you and me.
 
                                                                Pastor Jim
 
  

St. John's Ivyland
820 Almshouse Road
Ivyland, PA 18974
215-357-6998
stjohnsivyland.com
Rev. Brad Leight, Pastor