December 28th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Colossians 3:12-17

 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Reflection
Did you receive Christ? All through Advent we have been waiting. Waiting for Christ to come again. Waiting for Christ to return. Did he come to you? Did Christ come to you to be with you? Christ has come, Christ does come and Christ will come again.

We know of Jesus' coming as a babe in the manger. We can read about the Word present at creation and present on this earth in Jesus. The Bible is one source of the Word given to us to see Jesus. So, if we believe it, we receive Jesus in the Bible. If we choose to believe it Jesus comes to us and his peace rules in our hearts. Even for those who don't yet believe, Jesus comes, comes to offer his grace. Will you accept that grace?

In this acceptance, we change and become a new creation. A creation founded and blessed by Jesus the Word made flesh. The Word that was with God in the beginning. The Word that existed before John the Baptist at the creation of the world.

Did you receive Christ for Christmas? Even as a believer we receive Jesus in our hearts day after day. Jesus has come to us to stay. How else could we respond but to follow him in his will and his way? How else could we respond but to praise him and sing songs of joy and thanksgiving.

Turn to the Word of the Bible, look and see, turn to Jesus and believe. You will receive Christ into your heart and become a new creation.

Did you receive Christ?

Prayer
Jesus, you have come to us and we find that you have been with us all along. Send your Spirit to those who have not believed that they may see your presence and your loving grace and believe in you. Use each one of us to tell of your love... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen