Good morning…
The radiance of the Bethlehem star and the light of the living Christ now intermingle, inviting us forward. The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son. Generous inside and out, true from start to finish (John 1:14, MSG).
Now we become like our Father and our Brother, generous inside and out, daily living out God’s grace and truth. As the work of Christmas begins, might the light of the living Christ emanate through our words, our deeds, our generosity? My old identity has been co-crucified with Christ and no longer lives. And now the essence of this new life is no longer mine, for the Anointed One lives his life through me—we live in union as one! My new life is empowered by the faith of the Son of God who loves me so much that he gave himself for me, dispensing his life into mine! (Galatians 2:20, TPT).
As the living Christ dispenses his life into ours, we become the presence of God in our neighborhood. In a fresh new way, the work of Christmas begins right now. Much like the work of marriage after a joyful wedding, from this day forth we live in union as one with Christ.
As we begin this bridge week between Christmas and the start of a new year, which of these questions most draw your attention? Savoring the invitation, we ponder the call of God upon our ordinary lives.
How might I find connection with the lost?
In what ways might God use me to heal the broken?
When and where might I feed the hungry?
How might I bring release to those locked in prison?
How might I help to rebuild community between the nations?
How am drawn to I spread God’s peace among the people?
Making soulful music, heart to heart, how might the song of the angels rise up in me?
Today we begin the hard work of living out God’s answers burning in our hearts. Remember the multitude of angels singing over the newborn Christ child? They said, “Praise God in the highest heaven! Peace on earth and loving mercy towards all people!” (Luke 2:14, WE). Now we ourselves praise God by dispensing Christ’s peace and loving mercy towards all people.
LORD, please empower our surrendered hearts, our helping hands, and our unique voices to generously live out our part in your glorious choir.
…Sue…
P.S. For those in our Atlanta community, we have been given the opportunity to help out on New Year’s Eve. The police officers in the Grove Park neighborhood of our community will hold open the blue house on the PAWkids campus, inviting the homeless and the needy into a place of safety and refuge for the night. LaTonya Gates, founder and director of PAWkids, has asked me and our friends to contribute snacks and drinks for the evening. Please respond to me personally at the link below if you would like to partner with me in this PAWkids opportunity.
Thank you for your growing generosity, inside and out!
