Pastor Quinn • October 31, 2021
Cling to the Only Word that Saves
For many problems there are multiple solutions. If your car is breaking down you can repair it or get a new one. If you have high-blood pressure, it might be treated with medication or with diet or a combination of the two. But when it comes to the "problem" that our life on earth will end, either at death or on Judgement Day, there is only one solution. Only the Word of God can connect you to Christ and make you ready for the next phase of the God-lived life. That is why since the beginning of time, Christians have been willing to take brave stands for the sake of God's Word. May we do that same today. A God-lived life is a life that clings to God's Word and boldly proclaims it as the only hope of salvation.
“Christ” is not the family name of Jesus. It is a title. The Greek word “Christ” and the Hebrew word “Messiah” both mean the same thing: “The Anointed One.” Anointing was the practice of pouring liquid over the head of someone to signify selection for some special task. When the Lord had someone anointed, he also poured his Spirit over them. It was the fulfillment of promises made over centuries.
The Twelve Days of Christmas are the days between Christmas Day and January 6. What is special about January 6? It is the day when the Christian Church celebrates the Festival of the Epiphany. Epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning “reveal.” When the Savior was born, he was first revealed as love’s pure light to Israelites: Mary, Joseph, the shepherds. Today we see the Lord miraculously guiding foreigners across countless miles so the Savior’s holy face could be revealed to them as well. The Festival of Epiphany is sometimes known as Christmas for the Gentiles. We Gentiles (non-Jews) rejoice in the good news that this Jewish baby is a gift for all people, Christ the Savior of the world
Christmas holidays mean family time, often with extended family travel and visits. Meals are prepared, gifts are given, memories are made. But the memories might not all be good. Sometimes there are Christmas hurts or even tragedies. We live in a world still affected by sin. The sinfulness of the world cannot rob us of the peace God intends to bring through his Son. Christ the Savior is born, and through his life, God brings us into the family. He gives us the rights of redeemed sons and daughters, the privileges of inheritance.
