Friday, December 17
Romans 1:7 http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=159513446
How do you greet someone when you go to their home or pass them on the street? Folks from the Far East and Africa often bring gifts to share when they visit as a sign of honor and respect. In other cultures folks bow, kiss both cheeks or shake hands. In Eastern North Carolina we often wave and say, “hey, y’all!” The way we greet others says much about not only where we are from but also who we are and how much we care.
Paul addresses the folks to whom he writes in Romans as God’s beloved…, who are called to be saints. Then he offers grace and peace from God and the Lord Jesus Christ. That’s quite a greeting. How could they help but know that Paul cares deeply and wants only the very best for them?
Advent is a season when we focus on preparing our hearts to receive the coming of Christ. It is also a time for healing, renewing and reconciling our relationships with each other that we might receive Christ more perfectly, together. Are their folks in your life, past or present, who need to know how much you care, that need to hear a word of welcome, peace or reconciliation from you? What better time could there be than now, today, in this season, to reach out and let others know how much you care?
Write a note, send an email, make a phone call today—sharing the grace and peace that is God’s gift to this world and to each and every one of us!
Kids Challenge
Is there a friend or family member with whom you have had a fight or misunderstanding and now your friendship is not what it used to be? Sometimes when we get in an argument, we say things that we don’t really mean, the other person says things that they don’t really mean and we both walk away hurt and angry. Often the fight and the hurt get bigger and bigger because neither one of us wants to be the first to say, “I’m sorry,” or make the first move to make things better. If you are mad at someone or someone is mad at you, find a way to talk to them today. It might be that just your willingness to make the first move is all that needs to happen to make things better!
Advent Blessings,
Rich
This Christmas, give the gift that only you can give,
…give yourself this Christmas! (Peter Mayer)
No comments:
Post a Comment