Monday, December 23, 2013

December 24, 2013 Changed Forever



Changed Forever

Advent Day 24

Luke 1:33 The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

IN the midst of this joyous moment for Simeon, he prophesies Jesus’ life. Jesus will cause change. People will rise, and people will fall because of Jesus’ life. Jesus makes a difference. The Christmas message is about change. When Jesus came to the earth no one who encountered him was the same.
     We’ve read of Mary and Joseph experiencing new lives of faith. The Gospels record how thousands of people saw his miracles. We read of how Jesus fed, healed and cleansed sin. In the centuries since Jesus’ death and resurrection, billions have experienced God’s amazing grace of salvation. Yes, Jesus broke into the world as God’s great Gift to change mankind from broken to whole.
     Open the gift. Check in with Jesus daily and tell him, “Lord, I need to change. Show me what to do.” Then listen to his voice in the Bible. Hear Jesus in the words of a friend who knows Jesus, who loves you and listens to you. Hear Jesus in the words of a pastor who knows Jesus and offers you the truth.
     Listen to him, and he will break into your life to save you from harm, to protect you from evil, to offer you hope, and to show you his peace. Yes, in the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus is always changing you.

Pause and Consider how change is necessary to be Jesus’ disciple.

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