Dear Friends in Christ,
Sometimes, we think and say God is in everyone, everywhere. But, there’s an instructive story of a 19th century Polish Hasidic master and itinerant preacher, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk. One day, he asked some learned men who were visiting him, “Where is God? ” Laughing, they responded, “What a thing to ask! God is everywhere ! “No,” Rabbi Mendel replied, “God is only in the places where we make room for God.”

Now, what do you think of this perspective?

Many Christians believe and say, “God’s love is all-inclusive and unconditional”. Maybe so. But, Paul writes in his Letter to the Romans (8:28), “in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” Those who LOVE God… It begs the question, “Does God work on behalf of those who don’t love him?” Now, what do you think?

I once worked with a church administrator who had trouble with this idea. One Christmas, she inserted what she thought was an angelic Bible saying into the church newsletter. She wrote: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace and goodwill to all.” When I pointed out Luke’s text (2:14) really read, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”, she was surprised – and a little miffed. She’d learned, thought, and believed God’s love was for all!

Often, we say God’s grace means God’s love is unconditional. But, maybe God’s grace isn’t complete until it has its response in us, in our love and loving! And, maybe, this is what Advent preparation for Christmas is all about…About making room in our busy lives and hearts for Christ Jesus so we can follow him more closely in loving God and others as ourselves! But, what do you think – and believe?

Blessings of Advent for a Merry Christmas!
Pastor Ed