Advent Day 22 (Conclusion): Your Name Is Written On His Heart
*photo above: Nolan Jones enjoying some time on stage after church one Sunday during Advent
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. —Titus 2.11
I believe Christ came for all.
Think about those who came to see the newborn child. Shepherds: these guys were the night-shift, minimum wage earners… they smelled like sheep, they hadn’t bathed in a while.
Then later you have the Magi. I mean… these guys are different. Certainly outsiders. Mystics. Star-gazers. Not exactly your typical church-goers.
Throughout the ministry of Jesus, you see this same attraction… the outsiders were drawn to him. The misfits and weirdos. The outcasts. The sinners.
Yes, Jesus came for us all. I believe Christ went to the cross and took on himself the sins of the world.
And this is the Good News: we have been included.
And the angel said to them: Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. —Luke 2.10-11
Good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
For unto you is born… a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
We dream of a world where there is something for everyone.
A job. Healthcare. Food. Love. Family. Peace everywhere.
It seems like an impossible dream. Like, not in this world… but maybe in some other place, in a galaxy far, far away.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have healthcare for all. Wouldn’t it be nice to have housing for all. Wouldn’t it be nice to have peace for all. Wouldn’t it be nice to have food for all. Wouldn’t it be nice to have family for all.
Wouldn’t it.
But we easily dismiss these concepts as unrealistic. Beyond our reach. Fantasy. Something our world will never provide.
So when we start talking about God’s love for all, God’s gift of salvation for all, Christ’s arrival for all, and a table that welcomes all…
Well, it’s easy to once again dismiss the notion as… Read More