LIVING FOR CHRIST

Galatians 2:20-21    I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

I read about, and personally experienced, innumerable acts of kindness, forgiveness, generosity and love displayed for others over the last few weeks.  The acts of goodness far outweighed the evil things that occurred in the same time period.  American flags are still at half-staff as a sign of respect for the loss of life due to evil that reigned in Newtown, Connecticut for a few hours.  That was an unspeakable, unfathomable event.  However, the stories of bravery and self-sacrifice that resulted were amazing; the result of God’s love, Christ, living in us.

Last week many members from Graham Street Church of Christ served the community Christmas dinner to over 800 people. Across the nation, other communities benefitted from similar acts of generosity; gifts of time, money, food, clothing.  These gifts are the result of God’s love, Christ, living in us.

Carolers moved among nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, visiting home-bound individuals spreading the gift of song and personal interaction. These gifts are the result of God’s love, Christ, living in us.

Angel trees in hundreds of cities in the United States were filled with gifts for strangers. These gifts are the result of God’s love, Christ, living in us.

Nurses and physicians, pharmacy workers, airline and other transportation services personnel, convenience store attendants, all gave their time to assure people were safe during the holidays and could travel to visit family and home again. These gifts are the result of God’s love, Christ, living in us.

Families and friends gathered this week to celebrate Christ’s birth; but also remembered his life, death and resurrection all combined as Good News to share with others. Union with Christ is possible through belief and acceptance of that Good News. Following Christ results in forgiveness of our own sins that Christ erased through His death and resurrection. But it means more, for it is a living and continued relationship. Jesus is present with the believer; through the Spirit the Lord lives in personal fellowship with His own. He continues to work in our lives protecting us from fear of the unknown. These gifts are the result of God’s love, Christ, living in us.

Dear God, Please help me to display your love, Christ, living in me.

Sherilyn Svien

Stephenville, TX