November 17, 2016 – 37 Days Until My Head Explodes, Or
Devotions to Prepare Us For Christ’s Coming

“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments. Whoever says, “I have come to know him,” but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist; but whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. By this we may be sure that we are in him: whoever says, “I abide in him,” ought to walk just as he walked.” 1 John 2:1-6

“A picture is worth a thousand words” so the saying goes. Well, if that is true then why am I having so much trouble saying something about this Christmas ornament? There just aren’t any words for such an….abomination. The “Santaur” – it is……….see, I am at a loss because there just are no words.

A lot of newspapers and magazines are sold and television news programs get their ratings if they follow two angles – the “Now”, and the “Next”. So many people are sold a bill of goods that doesn’t hope to inform as much as entertain. And too often stories are announced as truth when they in fact have more sensation and fewer facts.

In John’s letter the intention is to share an “eye witness” account of how meeting and knowing Jesus has changed his life and what faith in Christ can mean to anyone. There is power in first hand proclamation. The word of life, Jesus the Christ, will change people. We forget that our story of how G-d, through Jesus, has touched us and how we experience him in our day to day journey can and will make a difference when shared. Remember Joseph – the bragger and dreamer? His story of faith, trust and endurance is one that turned from naïve bewilderment to mature confidence in a G-d that uses all things for good. Don’t be faithless, but believe that God will use your story to move others into a similar relationship with Christ. No matter the ups and downs, highlights and low-lights of your story, your faith in Christ is a story worth sharing.

Pastor Dave