Advent anticipation has given way to Christmas joy! Soon enough, the Twelve Days of Christmas will be a memory. Angel choruses are already starting to fade o’er the plains and most of the thank-you notes are written. I want to begin this new year with an expression of my personal gratitude for our time together recently. I am thankful for so many in our church who, with our talented staff, worked overtime to created space for us all to encounter the wonder of Christmas so beautifully. Thank you!
At the turn of the year, I find myself returning to the great Prologue of John’s Gospel, which paints the poetic backdrop for the story of Jesus that follows. One verse has been stirring within me as I reflect on its impact for me, and all of us at Yates, this year: “But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God…” (John 1:12)
“To all who received him…” For me, the phrase conjures up the image of a football game, with a wide receiver going long with the game on the line. The ball is already in the air and on the way, the receiver’s job is to hustle to the spot where it’s aimed, and with singular focus, put his whole self on the line to catch the pass and scurry on to the end zone. Such an event is not as individualistic as it sounds. It requires an entire team selflessly fulfilling its commitments with intense personal investment on the part of each player. For each one on the team, no matter the role, it is all about reaching the goal.
Now some of you might say that I’ve been watching too many college bowl games – and you’d be right! My family has learned over the years to give me a wide berth during bowl season. However, I think that what lies behind the image holds true for all of us who take seriously what it means to receive.
For Christians, receiving cannot be a passive affair. It requires intentionality, focus, heart and will. Otherwise the gifts lobbed our way miss their mark, fall uselessly to the field and roll out of bounds without gaining a bit of ground. I think it’s true no matter what you receive, whether it be a guest, a surprise, a compliment, a hug, or anything else. In order to receive well, you have to try. To receive requires resolve, and how much more so when we talk about personal faith and congregational ministry.
2015 is upon us, and the enduring Christmas challenge this New Year is to resolve to receive the great gift of Jesus again, and allow his presence to shape us, challenge us and motivate us toward the goal to which God is calling us. This is a great time to examine priorities, time investments, habits, and patterns and ask (as honestly as you can): “Is my life fully engaged in receiving the great gift God has given in Jesus?” If not, what steps will you need to take to take the necessary steps toward fuller commitment?
Let’s resolve together to S-T-R-E-T-C-H this year and receive that gift, committing to personal spiritual renewal and to deepening the impact of this congregation’s ministry in the world. How exciting it is to imagine what it might feel like to experience life together in the company of so many children of God.
Grace, Peace, and a Happy New Year, Christopher