What pictures are on your fridge?

Usually only your favorite people right?
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If someone looked at your fridge chances are they’d probably see pictures of your favorite people—kids, the grand kids, the ones you love most. Who do you think God puts on his fridge door?

In Luke 2, when the angels announced Jesus’ birth, they sang: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”

Favor. What a great word.  It means pleasure and delight. It means God’s kindness—above and beyond what could ever be expected. If you’ve grown up in church, you might recognize this word as grace. God’s unearned, unmerited kindness poured out on those who trust Jesus. Available to the Shepherds that first night and to you and I this night.

That’s the good news of Great Joy this Christmas: In Jesus coming God’s favor rests on us. Jesus said so Himself—I have come to announce “the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:19) 

Because of Jesus, we can have peace with God. And because we already have God’s approval, we no longer have to spend our lives trying to earn everyone else’s. 

So here’s the bottom line: We don’t work for God’s favor, rather we live from God’s it. 

And when you live from His favor, you stop chasing approval, you stop carrying guilt, and you finally experience peace.   Because in Christ, God has already chosen you. Already accepted you. Already delighted in you.

This Christmas, remember: your picture is on God’s fridge in heaven.

Merry Christmas,
Pastor Mike

P.S. Join us Wednesday at 4:00 or 6:00 PM for a candlelight Christmas Eve service—songs, Scripture, and a simple reminder of Jesus’ love for you.

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