Friday, December 23, 2005
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
POWER-PAK INCLUDED
"Do Not Open Until Christmas" may be a label children don't like to see, but there are also some words on Christmas presents that their parents would just as soon not see -- words like "Some assembly required" and "Batteries not included."
This last is not found anywhere in the verse above. You see, the power we need to use the gifts of joy, prayer and thanksgiving are wrapped up together with the gifts. For we are told that this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Jesus enables us to use these gifts of our God. In His forgiveness we find strength. In His love we find perseverance and power. In Word and Sacrament He comes to us, lifts us up, sends us forth in His strong name.
Many a parent has watched with delight as a child uses a new gift with determination and joy. And so does our heavenly Father delight in our use of these three gifts. "This is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
This is what your heavenly Father wants for you: Christmas joy, a prayerful heart, a thankful spirit, and all in Christ. For each of these gifts comes all wrapped up with the great Christmas gift, God's own Son. He is our Christmas joy. In His name we pray. Through Him we offer thankful hearts to God.
