Saturday

December 9
Paulette Reddel

But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed and is attested by the Law and the Prophets, the righteousness of God through the faith of Jesus Christ for all who believe. 
Romans 3:21-22b

The apostle Paul was a tireless crusader for the Gospel. He wanted God’s redemption story to be told! God’s gift of love so freely given! For you! For me!

Paul was absolutely certain of his message to the early Christians. He reminds me of an itinerant firebrand preacher setting up a large tent each night in different locales, welcoming sinners near and far. “God loves you! Christ died for you! You are saved!”

He wrote to the Christians in Rome, “You, my friends, are part of this story! We have all been rescued, Jew and Gentile! The Law can no longer separate us. God’s love has broken the bonds of sin. We are powerless, unable to rise above it all alone. Through Christ we are made new. God’s liberating act of grace has released us!” 

Today, a life of faith emboldens us to live faithfully in our communities. We open our arms to welcome those less fortunate and those in desperate need of kindness. We seek ways to share God’s message of “good news.” As we form new relationships, we need not point fingers, clutter our conversations with judgments, or isolate groups by closing doors and building walls. The law weighs us down. Thankfully, Christ has shown us a better way!

The season of Advent begins. In the midst of darkness we seek light. As sinners we are promised hope – a Messiah. In faith we live as forgiven children of God.

Dear God, thank you for your gift of life. Keep me strong in my faith in the midst of distractions during this busy season.  Amen