A Simple Find that Can Always Find You
by Fred Liggin, Lead Minister Williamsburg Christian Church
It’s Christmas time again! There is so much to plan for that I am both excited and exhausted just thinking about it. For some of us this is a beautiful season filled with joy despite the stress. But for some of us it is a reminder of things that aren’t so beautiful. Not everyone’s life is hunky dory. For some Christmas becomes a stark reminder of what is difficult about living—memories of lost loved ones, loneliness, lack of money. I bet you know of some people who can identify with these feelings. Perhaps you are one of them. Or maybe you’ve just “been there.” I know I have. But then it hits me.
It’s a really simple thought, actually. Yet it is incredibly difficult to remember. It is especially difficult when you find yourself in the midst of a season that invites busyness, stress, sadness, or bitterness. But if you and I see it, and I mean really see it, it can change us. Here is what I mean.
It doesn’t take us long to notice during the holiday season that many people are searching for Love–to love and be loved. Others are searching for Grace–a second chance, a clean slate, freedom from their past or even forgiveness. Then there are those searching for Truth–something real, lasting, and substantial, and able to set a different course for a different kind of life. So this thought I offer you is really simple, yet so difficult to remember and even harder for many of us to see, even during Christmas. Here it is.
Love, Grace and Truth can always be found in a dirty manger in Bethlehem, a blood-stained cross on a hill called Golgotha, and an empty tomb near a garden. And if you find any one of these places, love, grace, and truth will certainly find you.
Why? Because the baby who once slept in that manger grew up to passionately live, perfectly love, and profoundly teach all of humanity what it meant to truly be human. Then He was innocently put to death on that cross so that the rest of us who were guilty of imperfect love and willful disobedience according to God’s prescribed way of life, could be counted as innocent and be restored to wholeness. And as if that wasn’t enough (because it wasn’t), He arose from that tomb where he was buried to prove that the manger He slept in, the life He lived, the love He offered, the way of life He taught, and the death He died, was real, lasting and substantial. And this real story of a real life, death and resurrection has set the course for a different kind of life–one that begins now and never ends. This is a story of Love, Grace, and Truth. You could say that it is ultimately a story of Rescue.
So if you find this manger, keep going and walk up that hill to see the blood-stained cross. From there follow the road that leads to the garden and peek inside that nearby empty tomb. Perhaps then you will find what you are looking for. Except you might discover that it wasn’t merely love, grace and truth that you were searching for after all.
It was Jesus. Because He is, as Scripture says, the image of the invisible God who was born because of love and was full of grace and truth. He is God made human sent to rescue us from our wondering searches. He is Love, Grace and Truth. He is the Savior from heaven and King of creation. This is His story. And it is a real life story in history that has changed countless life stories. If you see it, believe it, and are willing to stake your life on it, it can change yours. Forever.
See, I told you it was a simple thought. I hope you remember it. And most of all, I hope you see it. I hope you find it. If you do you will step out of the darkness, live well through the busyness, find hope in the midst of sadness, and let go of the bitterness. You will, whether you see it this way or not, be rescued. Love, Grace, and Truth will have finally found you because Jesus has the power to change you forever. And if you let Him, He will.
Oh, and one additional thought. If love, grace and truth really finds you it should begin to change how you treat others you meet along the way, and not just during the Christmas season. Besides, you just might have the opportunity to lead them to what they are really searching for—King Jesus, who is not only the meaning behind Christmas but the meaning behind life, love, grace and truth.
We would be honored to have you join us any Sunday as we work out the treasures of this simple thought each week. For us this is more than an idea. It is a way of life that spills into the lives of those we meet and causes us to join God in His pursuit of restoring lives. So please join us anytime: Sundays 9am or 10:45am. Life-Connections Groups (small groups) meet throughout the week. Our Christmas Eve service will begin at 7pm.
Williamsburg Christian Church is a non-denominational church family and faith community “joined in God’s pursuit of restoring lives.” Follow Willliamsburg Christian Church on Twitter (@WmbgChristian), Facebook or at www.williamsburgchristianchurch.org. Messages can be found on the website or found on iTunes.Fred Liggin was given the gracious honor to serve as Lead Minister of Williamsburg Christian Church in October 2010. He is the husband of Alison Glenn, daddy to his son Ian and deeply thankful for his church family. He received his B.A. in Ministry/Bible at Amridge University and is completing his M.A. in Christian Ministry from Abilene Christian University. He enjoys hanging out with his family, reading, live music and a good cup(s) of coffee. Fred constantly finds himself in need of God’s mercy and grace every day, and is prematurely balding. He has a deep love for God, His Gospel and His Kingdom way of life. Fred is also passionate about seeing God’s people learn what it means to participate in God’s mission as everyday people in everyday places who offer tangible Kingdom-expressions of love, mercy and hope in everyday ways.
Follow Fred on Twitter (@Liggin), Facebook or his Blog (www.fredsforehead.wordpress.com)
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