Tim’s
Tidings
Joy and
celebration. That’s what God experiences
when we “come home.”
Perhaps
no other story illustrates this better than the parable Jesus told of the
“wayward” or prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.
This son insulted his father by asking for his inheritance early. In his culture, this was a slap in the face,
saying in effect, “you are dead to me.”
The son
left the father and left the lifestyle that would bring health to the body and
life to the soul. He ended up bottoming
out and resolving to return to the father as a slave. Before he makes it even all the way home the
father meets him with joy and orders a celebration “for
this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” (Luke
15:24).
For those of us
who have been, far off to God, this Season is a time to “come home.” It is a time to ask forgiveness of wrongs and
resolve to live in the hope, peace, joy and love of our heavenly Father. It is a time to forgive those who have hurt
us.
But there is
more. For those who remain faithful, it
is a time to realize the bounty that the Father offers us in all times and
Seasons. We are heirs to God’s kingdom. We are alive to God in Christ. We too are “found, forgiven and free” to love
God and others.
May the world
“know we are Christians by our love” as we radiate the love and light God has
for us. When the early Christian
communities gathered, one of the remarks recorded in Scripture about them is
“see how they love each other.” I am
gratified for the love that is in this church, and I know it spills out from
here into the world. Thanks be to God!
This Christmas,
why not share that love by inviting others to Eastminster this afternoon at 3
p.m. for Eastminster’s Musical “O Come Let Us Adore Him?” Other wonderful times
of joy include December 23 at 6 p.m. for an “EPiC Christmas” celebration in
contemporary style, December 24 for lessons and Carols at 10 a.m., and December
24 at 5 p.m. (Family Christmas Eve Candlelight), 8 p.m. (Traditional
Candlelight), or 11 p.m. (Candlelight Communion). It’s time to “come home” for Christmas in
worship, praise and outreach, for we too have been “lost and now are
found!” God is delighted and
compassionate when we “come home!”
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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