Thursday, December 14, 2017

12-17-17


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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