When Jesus spoke to the world, He made the most incredible offer … “that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life”.

He offered us eternity.

And when He offered us eternity—He offered ALL of us eternity.

And then He said this:

Matthew 16 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.  14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. 

As I sit in awe of God this lovely morning, I can’t help but think of how much I have reflected on this verse and the following verse in Isaiah chapter 61.  And I am amazed at the God of all creation.  Not at the idea of the sunset or the movement of the oceans.  Not at the beautiful skies that greet us as we wake up or the incredible mountains to the west.  Not the singing of the birds or the unmatched loyalty of a mother’s love.  I am amazed at the decision … the decision to be “God with us”.  Our God is many things, but today He is Immanuel.  He is the God who walked these dusty roads, interacted with these people, and worked these long days in the heat. 

He did not take the easy road or make any excuses.

He did not exalt Himself or gain power or forget what the common man would walk through.

He lived the life of a servant.

And His first sermon told us a few things:

Isaiah 61 1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me …

… to bind up the brokenhearted, 

… to proclaim freedom for the captives 

… from darkness for the prisoners,  

… 2 … to comfort all who mourn,  

… 3 … to bestow on them a crown of beauty 

And how would his people respond?

Isaiah 61 4 They will rebuild … and restore the places long devastated; 

… they will renew … 

6 … You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. 

We are Salt … and Light.

We are the hope of nations and the hope of the broken.

We are the ones who are to carry the banner of Jesus.

We are the blessed family of the risen king.

“For God so loved the world that He

gave His one and only Son”

Reflect on these things on this Christmas day.

Your life is redeemed.

Your weaknesses are forgotten … buried.

Your shame is covered.

Your honor is given.

Your life is … important.

I love these videos … because they beam with excitement, and life, and absolute passion and love of life and the God who so freely gave it to us.

Be blessed today.

And by all means let your light shine like a city on a hill so that all can see!

In The Name of the Father and the 

Son and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

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Coach J