You shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. Isaiah 62:2
 
If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5:17
 
Monday at coffee several of us, all members of Christ the King, were discussing what a pleasant feeling it is just to come to Christ the King and feel surrounded by the warmth of the familiar in the place where we share a common faith with others who come. It isn't something any one of us could easily explain, but each of us knew the feeling. This feeling would not have to be at Christ the King, even though it is the place where all of us in the conversation are members.
 
I remember being on college choir trips long ago. Whenever we were welcomed into a new church to sing and be served meals by congregational members, we felt at home right away. By sharing a common faith and presence of the Holy Spirit in any place, we felt the gladness of heart in the presence of others who shared our faith. 
 
There are times when one can feel abandoned by that sense of well-being that only faith can bring. At such times we know that Jesus is waiting for us to turn our faces again to him in prayer. When we do, we again feel the strength of the grace of Jesus Christ. We are renewed by the breath of the Holy Spirit. May we use our faith to lift up others who are weary. God is waiting with open arms to enfold every one of us, his children.
 
Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Thank you God for breathing your Spirit into our hearts and minds to give each of us the assurance that only faith in you can bring. Help us to share your grace with others. Thank you for this time of year when we reflect on the magnificence of your lowly birth which was a forecast of the blessings to come. The gift of grace granted through your death and resurrection brings peace beyond measure. Amen.
 
Florence Smallfield
Ministries
Teaching Mission Party