Nougat 11

Hello my dear

How are you? As for me, I’m good tired. Yesterday we had our Advent service at work and it was simply beautiful! Despite the circumstances, we were able to offer hope to colleagues, former colleagues and the immediate family members. One of our staff is an observant Jew, and so the Hanukkah candle was lit.

With restrictions being put back in effect in Geneva, it felt like a glimpse of Hope, and not the commercial rush it sometimes is. And, as one whose first awareness of Christ came in an Advent service; this was especially poignant for me. Our chaplain and the communications team prepared a wonderful experience and I am truly grateful. To God be the glory!

And so, as we close the chapter on Jacob, we pause to give thanks to God. Please receive today’s Holy Nougat

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

United with Christ! Not ‘to be united’, but already a done deal. Upon agreement that our life is in Christ, we have secured the union. It’s not Heaven-dependent. Some benefits DO await us there, but being in Christ is already a done deal.

And that’s worth celebrating. Because far often we are inclined to listen to the other voice that says we are less than, and that there’s no hope for us. We often fail to grasp that Living – in Christ – begins already.

As I typed that, I literally felt like someone has bequeathed me this awesome amount of inheritance that I didn’t realize I had. For, being in Christ may make us targets for spiritual attacks; But it also means that the same Power that Jesus Christ had as a walking, talking human is IN us, upon acceptance of Him in our lives (Ephesians 3:20). We have access to God’s Spirit – to love the (seemingly) unloveable; anoint the sick, release the captives, offer sight to the (spiritually and physically) blind AND to proclaim this as the year of God’s favour (Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:18-19). That’s the glorious Living inheritance we already have in Christ!

So, while this may not be the actual time Jesus was born; we have reason to be thankful.

While this year is definitely one for the history books, we can celebrate and exercise our spiritual gifts in Christ – all ours and able to carry us through the worst of times.

While others have no hope, we can offer them the Perfect gift – the gift of Hope in Jesus Christ.

While others have no reason to celebrate, we offer to them and each other Joy in the Lord.

While deadly wars are waging; we experience Peace in Christ!

It is beginning to feel a lot like Christ- mass; the celebration of Christ; our Gift Who keeps on giving Joy to the world. And for that Gift of God; I am eternally grateful and blessed! How about you?

In Christ’s love and grace . . .