The Day the Church was Born
By J. James Estrada (12/19/05)
Next Sunday, December 25th, is a day to celebrate the birth of Jesus. He came into this world born a babe in a place built for sheep and he left this world as a dying lamb for the sin of the world. He was innocent, but justice demanded a penalty for a guilty humanity. Regarding mankind, the Father sent the Son as its sacrifice. For this act of Love, we are given the power to become the Sons of God. The greatest step in the universe is the one that takes us from God’s creation to God’s child. At this time of year, it seems that the world awakens to this reality.
I am grateful that this celebration falls on a Sunday this year. For the Church its self was born on a Sunday.
The Apostle Paul, whose miraculous conversion came about through an encounter with the Risen Jesus, is the writer of much of the New Testament. He speaks to all the workings of the Church; its gifting, its calling and purpose, its function, and its order. When did this inspired suffering servant meet with the believers of the fledgling church? On Sunday’s. That’s because he spent the Sabbath in the Temple speaking to his people, the Jews. If in the Temple on the Sabbath, when did Paul meet with new believers? He met with them on Sunday.
Facing persecution, this early church was forced to meet in secret. Through hardship and death…through pain and suffering…something powerful came about. And it’s not about an institution. It’s not about a building. It’s about forgiveness and freedom entering a heart.
This Sunday, take the time to ask yourself, am I content to be one of God’s creatures or am I destined to be one of God’s children? It’s entirely up to you. The work of salvation is already finished. Let this Sunday be your Sonday.
Merry Christmas.
Copyright 2005 J. James Estrada
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