And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them. (Luke 3:18)
What was the best invitation you have ever received? My boyfriend and I had been separated for close to two months. Between college semesters, I was working at a girls’ camp in the Texas Hill Country. Every night, we talked on the phone, and it grew harder to hang up at the end of each day. As camp was winding down, I knew he was coming to get me and was greatly anticipating his arrival.
On the last night of camp, he arrived, and we were both overjoyed. Later that evening, we were talking when suddenly he was on his knees and asked me to marry him. That was the best invitation I have ever received, save one. The best was when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. When the Lord extended his astounding invitation to me, I willingly accepted it.
John the Baptist taught us to address the sin in our lives to prepare our hearts for service, to live fruitful lives that enable us to attend to others, and to point others to the One who saves, Christ Jesus.
As we reflect on Christmas and prepare our hearts for the adoration of the Savior who stepped from eternity into humanity, let us acknowledge that he invites us not only to eternal life but also to participate in a plan that extends far beyond each of us.
Prayerfully seek God and ask to participate in his plan this coming year.
Nancy Pike is the director of creative arts and congregational care at LifeSpring Church. She recently completed a masters of pastoral ministry at Wesley Seminary.
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
