December 29, 2021

We have a Christmas tree ornament – made by one of our children when in elementary school – in the shape of a star. Written in gold on the star is the word “star.” With all that is uncertain, unknown, and unsettling in the world, it is helpful to have pieces of life that are clear and simple and certain. This star ornament is clearly a star.

Never changing is the clarity, simplicity, and certainty of the Gospel.  We are sinners in need of grace. God is a God who loves sinners and flings out grace with reckless abandon. Here is one of our “comfortable words” from John’s first epistle.

“But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2)

Written in red on the hands and feet of Jesus Christ is the word “Savior.”

“Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.” (Collect for Holy Name – BCP)