December 5
JESUS: GOD’S GIFT OF FAITH!
Message: Jesus:God’s gift of faith for a longing heart
KEY SCRIPTURE:
the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. Luke 2:10
Bible Story: Luke 1:26-39; 46-55 Jesus: God’s Gift of Faith. An answer for longing hearts
Reflection:
“Dad watch!” This was a heart cry of my kids when they learned to go off the diving board. This heart cry totally blessed my heart. It conveyed to me their desire that I be a present and engaged participant in their moment. I believe humanity has the same kind of longing in their hearts as concerns our relationship with God.
And God delivers! In a real tangible way, Jesus is the evidence that God “sees” our need. He has heard the cry of our hearts. And responds with an ALMIGHTY, YES!
What if “Faith” isn’t something we have to muster up from within. What if “faith” is a gift God gives (Gal2:16). He “reveals” and we believe.
How does God do it? He gives us Jesus! Jesus is God’s gift of faith for that longing heart of humanity. Haggi 2:7 refers to him as “the desire of nations”. We sing this line each Christmas whenever we declare “Hark! The herald angels sing.” Listen to how Mary responds as the revelation truly sinks in, “For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on generations will call me blessed.” (Lk1:48). She only knows this because of heavenly revelation, a heavenly encounter.
To accept the reality of Jesus is to receive God’s gift of faith. Jesus was God’s gift of faith to Mary. Jesus is God’s gift of faith to us. And just like dad at the diving board, God delights in our desire and willingness to to say yes to the gift He wants to give us. His attention. His presence. And his full participation within our moment here on earth. A moment we get to share with Him. Two similar desires become ONE!
Jesus, He is answered prayer for the longing heart. Jesus is God’s gift of faith.