This is my last Gracevine article for 2023, and as I look back over this year, I am especially grateful for the Grace UMC community. I see us living into the vision of the church as a “beloved community” in which we share each other’s burdens and sorrows as well as our joys. We are connected as members of the body of Jesus Christ on earth, and this identity keeps us united.
Recently, I read an article about the concept of all Christians being adopted children of God. The writer pointed out that our being adopted into God’s kingdom (and family) is a choice that we make. Unlike those of us who were legally adopted as children, Christian adoption never involves a sense of abandonment. There is not a scenario in which someone had to relinquish parental rights in order for us to be Christian. We can embrace our new identity in Christ while still holding on to our identity from our biological origins. I appreciate this approach to the adoption metaphor because it reminds us that being adopted into God’s family is a pure gift, without strings attached.
As we approach Christmas Eve, it is wonderful to realize that Christ’s being born again in our hearts is also a gift with no strings attached. Rather than giving up a prior identity, following Jesus is about living into the promise that we were made in the image of a loving God whose will is that no one will perish. Celebrating Christmas, at its essence, is about celebrating the availability of salvation for the world. Our world is in need of a savior, and He is with us!
This Sunday, December 24, we offer three Christmas Eve services, at 10am, 3pm, and 11pm. The scripture passages are Isaiah 9:2-7 and Luke 2: 1-14. I am working on a Christmas Eve message entitled “Fulfillment and Acceptance.” What does it mean to celebrate Jesus’ birth as a fulfillment of the prophesy we referred to at the beginning of Advent? How are our lives different because of the hope, faith and trust we place in Him? Are we willing to accept Jesus as Lord of our lives, one day at a time?
Thank you for your prayers for our Christmas Eve worship services. We depend upon your prayers. I look forward to seeing you in worship Christmas Eve, and I pray that you experience the love of God like never before this Christmas!
Merry Christmas and I pray 2024 is a great year for you and your family!
Steve Hart