Grace

A Note From The Pastor

                                       “I came that they may have life and have
                                                it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Sometimes we are so familiar with a story that we forget what it’s really all about. For instance, we hear the Christmas story every year in worship. We listen to the readings from the prophets and the epistles. We hear the various Gospel writers’ version of the coming of the Christ. And, I’m sorry to say, sometimes we just tune it all out because we’ve heard it before.

The verse above is one where Jesus says in essence, “this is why it’s important to remember the nativity story.” We don’t remember the prophecies because they were eventually used by composers for lovely music—although they were. We don’t listen to the epistle lessons because they remind the early church that Jesus was the founder of the church—although He was. We don’t read the nativity passages from the gospels because they are charming and good for the children to hear—although they are.

Instead, what Jesus reminds us is that all those stories – all those familiar passages – tell again of the coming of our Savior. Thanks be to God, Jesus didn’t stay a babe or even a child. Jesus grew up to be our teacher, our example, and finally our redemption. And that’s why we listen to these same beautiful stories year after year. It’s to remind us of the wonder of GRACE.

So, my challenge to you is to share in worship during this season if you are able. If you are not able to get out, have your own time of worship and reread these passages. Let them soak into your very being. Remember during this season just what it is we celebrate!

                                                                                 Pastor Nancy