Man’s Predicament

“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 6:23

The approach of the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, are especially significant for followers of Christ because we understand and know the reality of the rest of the story.  Our powerlessness to solve the dilemma of our need for salvation has not left us without hope.  On the contrary, the good news is that God has taken upon Himself to remedy our desperate plight by the power of His own love and grace through His only Son, Jesus Christ.

It is good news because it takes the burden off our shoulders to solve an infinite problem with finite means.  It is good news because I am accepted not on the basis of my performance but grace through faith.  It is good news because it is a free gift that I cannot earn and I am not expected to.

Surely, if there were ever people on the face of this planet with something for which to be thankful, and who ought to be motivated to spread good cheer, it would be us – followers of Christ unchained from the curse of sin and death, and set free to live fully, purposefully, and compassionately in a world desperate for good news.

FANNING THE FLAME

If you are fortunate enough to spend Thanksgiving this year with your children and grandchildren, let it be a celebration of more than just daily provisions and blessings, but of the Good News of God’s most precious provision – the gift of life through Jesus Christ.  Share with one another your own expressions of “thanksgiving” to God for this amazing gift.  Sing some songs of thanksgiving and praise (it’s okay to break out some Christmas carols if you want!).  In all things give thanks, but for Good News especially give thanks!

GRANDPAUSE: “The Christian ought to be a living doxology.” Martin Luther