Our readings this Sunday reflect "Gifts" in several different ways. Israel and her people are seen as "A crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord." Paul gives us a reality of gifts in the body of Christ "for the common good." Then the Gospel shares a very practical gift by Jesus to a wedding celebration under stress. Have you considered your gifts recently? What has the Spirit of God given you to use for the "common good?"
Baptism is such a beautiful gift from God! In all the beauty of baptism, we often miss a grim reality: there is death! The process of dying in baptism is a thing of beauty itself and allows us to also rise with Christ.
Baptism is such a beautiful gift from God! In all the beauty of baptism, we often miss a grim reality: there is death! The process of dying in baptism is a thing of beauty itself and allows us to also rise with Christ.
They say there’s a Christmas letdown when all the meals are over, the presents are opened, and the company has all returned home. What will you treasure from this year’s Christmas when you look back? In the midst of all our busyness, God continues to show up and work mightily in our midst. Let’s look back and see how he was faithful and good throughout the year.
Paul stops at the beginning of His letter to thank God for choosing us to be the church. He adopted us as His own children even when we didn't deserve or expect it. What a great reminder as we close up the Christmas season this year! Be thankful and praise God for what He accomplished for us through Jesus!
Paul stops at the beginning of His letter to thank God for choosing us to be the church. He adopted us as His own children even when we didn't deserve or expect it. What a great reminder as we close up the Christmas season this year! Be thankful and praise God for what He accomplished for us through Jesus!