December/Vision

For He created us to this end, that ever reigning with Him, we should praise Him unto ages of ages, and continually give thanks to Him. Therefore, knowing these things, under no toils, no trials let us fail, by no sorrows let us be conquered, by no wars fatigued, let us be moved from our place by no agonies of discipline, again let us be distracted by no blandishments, beguiled by no charms, and let us say with the Apostle's voice, May no one and nothing separate us from the love of Christ.

  - Columbanus, Sermon IV (Irish, 7th century)

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

  - Romans 8.38, 39

Were there ever more reassuring, comforting, or emboldening words than these? The love of God in Christ Jesus flows toward us unceasingly, holding our bodies and souls together, infusing us with vibrant power, sustaining and growing us, and all irrespective of whether or not we acknowledge His steadfast love and faithfulness.

But acknowledge we should, as Columbanus well knew, and focus on it as often as we may. For the love of God is our strength, our hope, our joy, our confidence, and all our wisdom for every aspect of our lives.

And why should it be that God should love us? Only because of Jesus, because of what He has done in fulfilling all righteousness and bearing all wrath for us, miserable sinners and wretched ingrates. We are loved not because of who we are, but in spite of it. The love of God in Christ Jesus is thus pure love, for it flows in response to no promptings or promises, it surrounds and sustains us simply because it pleases the One Who loves us so to do.

We are loved by One Whose love will not be deterred. Nothing can separate us from His love, now or ever. Here is reason for rejoicing and giving thanks, not just today, not just during this Advent season, but always, in all situations, and with ever-increasing fervor and sincerity.

Rejoice, friends, and give thanks: We are loved.

Today at The Fellowship of Ailbe

Thanks to all who have sent suggestions for our Campaign for Christian Literacy. We'll be ramping up right after the beginning of the New Year. If you have ideas about how we can encourage and assist our non-reading brethren to take up this important work, we're still willing to receive them. Write to me at the address below.

Congress is at it again, scorning the voters and shoring up their base by attaching 6,000 earmarks to an omnibus spending bill. When will we ever learn? Check out today's ReVision.

Our new online evangelism seminar is taking off. Pastor, how would you like to enlist every member of your church in the work of reaching the lost in your community? This course can show you how - and help you get it done. Write me today. The course is so new we haven't even got it up on the website yet, but I'll be happy to give you a call and chat about it.

Thanks again for your gifts. We're pleased to know that you find this ministry a help to you in some way. Your gifts express your gratitude to God and appreciation for our work, and we rejoice in the Lord's goodness through you. Click the donate button or send your tax-deductible gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 100 Lamplighter Ct., Hamilton, VA, 20158.