From island to island, across the narrows and straits, above the mountain heights and far below sea level; God is with us. We can go nowhere beyond the love and affection of God. That’s why he sent Jesus his son to us, to make sure we knew the depth of his love toward us. Jesus came to make a way for us to access his father in heaven. He offered up his life on our behalf to remove every obstacle which hindered our relationship with God.
Jesus assured us that his father was seeking those who would worship him in spirit and in truth. That is why we continue to sense his knocking at the doors of our hearts. God has not given up on us! Today is a good day to accept the son, the one whose mighty name means “God saves.” Let’s take into account this awesome savior and the power of his words that generate light and truth and knowledge for our souls. Let’s consider the immense effort and amazing achievements he has accomplished for us: John 1:1-18, New International Version:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
“There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him… Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children not of natural descent, nor of human decision … but born of God.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only son, who came from the father, full of grace and truth.
“(John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God … but the one and only son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the father, has made him known.”
Wow! Father God sent his son to become flesh and blood to dwell among us. That’s why they called him Emmanuel because it meant “God with us.” And so, in all our daily struggles, we can find good reason to sing Christmas songs of cheer and good news! Because God has sent his son, we can behold the light of life with our own eyes. The light of the knowledge of God’s saving grace, through his son, Jesus!
Barbara Brown is a member of the ministry team at the Lighthouse Church of God.
Perspectives is a regular column sponsored and written by members of the Ketchikan Ministerial Association.
