Christian Perspectives: New Life

November 25, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Kathleen Mills

Crossroads Community Church

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not parish, but have eternal life.

This time of year plans are being made, gifts are bought, and the cooking list begins. Traveling plans are in the works and decorations are filling homes, stores and towns. One of the most beautiful light shows of the year. From trees, to homes and even on top of heads, lights are shining.

Stars just seem a bit brighter this time of year. Joy fills the air, carollers are singing and the choirs are practicing We Three Kings, Holy Night and many more beautiful song.

It’s the rush before the great event, Christmas.

You notice I’ve written great event.

There are so many other words that would describe Christmas better, but seems like these days it is an event. Get the lights up, decorations inside and out. Now look, the neighbour has put up more lights, let’s add more. Competition in the light show event, competition in the gifts, decorations and even right down to the meal. These events take over.

Or, do they?

I recently went to Alberta to visit my sister and her family. In no way was I expecting what I experienced and witnessed. From the airport to a very small town with dirt roads and few shops, it was like walking back into an old western – there was a chill in the air, with a warmth as the sun shone in the window.

This wee little town, with its trading post restaurant and horses running in the fields, right down to the mountains in a distance with snow top peeks. I could not stop and help but think of the Nativity and the beauty of the simplicity that it was.

Luke 2:1 -7 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. Vs 6 so it was, that while they were there, the days where completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her first born Son, wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

This town seemed joyful, full of love. For a very small town, there was no shortage of churches. They had flyers up about plays, Sunday School, Ladies retreats. But what warmed my heart the most was the generosity, kindness, over all love. Yes, they were busy getting things done: putting up lights getting out the decorations, but amongst it all a tiny voice asked me this question, “Do you know my daddy lives in another place? I miss him, he doesn’t come see me.”

A little Boy’s heart broken, feeling empty and a mom that so much wanted to fill that void. They were searching for something, someone to help, to heal to hold on too. The little boy began to ask questions. Where does Jesus live, does He know me? While his mother was full of questions of her own.

Lord, here I am. Send me. This has been a prayer I’ve prayed for years: to be yet a vessel for His Kingdom purposes. And now that an occasion has been given, may the Lord give me the words to say and the love and understand as well.

I know this is not your normal Christian Perspective for the paper, but it’s one I believe needs to be shared. With big blue eyes looking at me as I do my best to hold back tears, I share with this little boy the love that Jesus has for him, that Jesus never leaves us, He is always with us. And as we talked he said Jesus loves me and you’re right.

With tears in my eyes, I replied, yes He does, to the moon and back.

The questions continued from his mommy, the guilt and pain she felt. She shared how she thought her bad choices would reflect upon her son. We talked about forgiveness and the love that Jesus had for her. We came to a point where she wanted to ask Jesus into her life. We prayed together, cried together. The joy that filled the room was beautiful. A new birth into the Kingdom. What greater gift could there be?

Luke 15:18-20.The gift of salvation. Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.

Here it was, the real meaning of Christmas, the real reason Christ was born. He heals the broken hearted and binds up there wounds. Psalms 147:3

May we all see that Jesus birth was for eternal purpose, and new birth into the Kingdom is God’s greatest gift. May this be a season of light, love and joy.

New Life Song

New life. New life, You came to bring us New life.

New life. New life! We find such joy In your abundant life!

You are the source of our great joy, The fountain of all life.

You give us living water; you bid us come and drink.

We come to you; We come to you; We bless you Lord; We glorify your name!

We praise you Lord; we worship you! We thank you for your gift of New life!

Merry Christmas