Merry Reconciliation!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone. The new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19a

Christmastime feels so good, doesn't it? Cheerfulness, celebration, and generosity are heightened more this time of year than ever. The closer we get to Christmas, the more I think about the reality of my faith. 

I just read an article that opened my eyes once again to the lie I'm tempted to tell myself sometimes: "that my kind and thoughtful neighbor who just brought over my favorite holiday peanut butter balls will surely go to heaven. She's so nice." But, as I read the Bible, I realize the truth: "nice" people don't go to heaven, just as "good people" don't either. 

I hope and pray you will be encouraged during this blessed holiday season (as I have been), to keep in the forefront of your mind what it's really all about -- Christ the Son come down to earth to testify to the truth, to die for the sin of the world, to reconcile sinners to a Holy God. 

This Christmas, let us be compelled to share the greatest gift we could ever hope to receive: JESUS CHRIST and salvation of our souls. 

"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Blessed Christmas!

by Dana Lange