Luke 3:3-4 John the Baptist went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Dear Friends in Christ:
The Stockman House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1908, is now a museum in Mason City, Iowa (where I grew up). I toured the home. It was beautiful in its simplicity. The main feature was a fireplace. It was built in the center of the house and could be seen from anywhere one stood in the house. As Wright’s houses changed over the years, one feature remained in his homes: a fireplace. The glow, a gathering place, the crackle and pop of the wood, and the joy of feeling warm inside and out are all ingredients of a fireplace.
As Christians, we have a fireplace in our hearts that brings warmth, joy and a glow into our lives and goes by the name of Jesus Christ. Like the fireplace in the Wright home, Jesus Christ should be so central in our lives that we have Jesus constantly within our sight. One meaning for the origin of the word focus is fireplace. During this time of year, we often get so busy that we lose focus on what really is important. We lose focus on Jesus, the fireplace, in the center of our lives. If you have placed a “no vacancy” sign on your heart, it is never too late to restore your focus on Christ and place the fireplace back into the living room of your soul. It is never too late to return to Jesus and make Christ your number one priority. If you have run away from God, been frustrated with God’s responses to your prayers, have doubts, are filled with despair and dread, feel guilty about something, now is an excellent time to come home to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ lives in the center of your heart. Jesus has never left your side, has never forsaken you, and is thrilled when you turn your life around. Jesus loves you and will always accept you into the Lord’s tender embrace of mercy and grace. There is nothing so wretched, sinful, or terrible that can keep you away from Jesus’ forgiving presence. You are forgiven. May the central place of a fireplace in a Wright home remind you of the eternal importance of Jesus being central in your life. As you gather to open Advent Calendars, worship, sing, light Advent candles, read the Bible, read the Christmas story, share the story of God’s love, let each other know of the importance of Jesus in your life, and pray with one another. God’s joy and peace be with you as Christmas gets closer.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Dan Dahl
Heavenly Father, thank you for the warmth of your love. Draw us close to you as we are drawn to a glowing fireplace, especially during this season. Amen.
