Harvard professor Arthur C. Brooks has a terrific article in The Atlantic titled, “New Year’s Resolutions That Will Actually Lead to Happiness.” After surveying literature regarding our typical difficulties in keeping resolutions for the new year, he determines that “the key to success is positive motivation.” Then he identifies the two motivations that most lead to happiness: forgiveness and gratitude.
Is there a year when we’ve needed such encouragement more?
This week, we’re focusing on practical demonstrations of the continuing relevance of Jesus’ incarnation in our fallen world. We’ve noted that his decision to enter our fallen race proves his solidarity with us in our challenges. And we’ve seen that his death for our sins enables our forgiveness and transformation by God’s grace.
Our forgiveness was always God’s plan. His desire for sinful humans is to “forgive their iniquity” and “remember their sin no more” (Jeremiah 31:34; cf. Isaiah 43:25). This is why our Father “made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Do you know that the Baby of Bethlehem loves you as much today as the day he was born so you could be born again? Do you know that he loves you as much today as the day he died so you could live forever? Do you know that he is as real in your world today as the day he first entered your world?
If you and I would experience the transforming grace of Christmas, we must admit we need what only Christ can give.
The French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal (1623–62) suggested a “wager” we can adapt as follows:
Either God exists, or he does not. If we wager that he exists and thus trust him for our salvation, and we are right, we gain eternity in heaven when we die. If we are wrong, we simply die along with everyone else.
Tonight, Jupiter and Saturn will cross paths in the sky and will appear to us as one body. They will seem closer than they have since the 12000s and will shine brighter. While this is not the same star that led the magi to Christ, the timing of tonight’s celestial event points to that birth in a way that is especially significant. My wife and I were discussing this fact yesterday and she noted: “How wonderful that God would give us such a sign of his presence in this year of all years.”
We are currently seeing the worst surge in COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began and officials are predicting that the “darkest days of the pandemic” are ahead. Meanwhile, COVID-19 vaccines are now starting to become available. This juxtaposition between virus and vaccine is causing many pastors and churches to wonder whether to offer in-person worship or virtual-only services until trends improve and/or vaccines are available to everyone. Let’s explore this issue in light of recent events and biblical wisdom.
For today, let’s discuss several practical questions you may be asking as you consult with your physician and decide whether to receive a COVID-19 vaccine when one is available to you. Given the size and scope of this issue, I will offer brief answers to the following questions along with links to articles written by professionals in the field.
