Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Annunciation to Joseph 

Acts 3:14-20

God’s blessings can take on many forms. Whether it be a rejection that later led to opportunities down the line, a missed turn that led you to a new destination, or a disappointment that surprisingly was for the better - God truly works in mysterious ways!

As we enter this season of Advent, Christ’s birth comes into full view again. We can recall the sacrifice that Mary made to carry the God child, Joseph’s trust in God’s timing, and the combined perseverance and patience that the two possessed to make the trip to Bethlehem. Jesus truly changed Mary and Joseph’s lives - as they have ours. 

In Acts 3, Peter and John heal a beggar by invoking the name of Jesus Christ. This healing event inspires all those gathered at the gate, inspiring them to think deeper about what can come from living a life filled with Christ. 

After Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, Acts 3 reminds us of why Jesus came to the world. At the gate called Beautiful, we see how Peter and John transform the life of a beggar. The beggar asks Peter and John for money, but little does he know that he would receive the gift of healing through Jesus’ name-- a gift far more meaningful than the few copper coins he would’ve received from the people who would pass him. 

By giving His life on the cross, Jesus gifted us with salvation. By believing in His name, we too can be co-heirs to eternal life. 

Peter, to those gathered around, declares in Acts 3:16: “It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you all can see.” 

Peter, after performing this miracle through God’s name, is dismayed at the crowd’s response to the beggar’s healing, encouraging them to see that the healing performed was through Jesus and not through magic or witchcraft. 

He follows with a call to action: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you.” 

If seeing is believing, then those gathered at the gate had everything in front of them to make the choice to turn to God and believe!

Let’s all look at the beggar’s healing, see the Bible and all its miracles and teachings, and make the switch to see and believe! During this season, let’s all pray to the Lord for new ways to incorporate Him into our daily decisions. Let’s live a life of service to those around us and inspire them, through our actions, that life becomes meaningful with the purpose Christ gifts us with. 
 

Prayer

Dear Lord, during this time of Advent we ask that you liberate us from the different exiles which we face. We thank you for sending us your Son by whom we are restored. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen 

Thought of the Day

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalms 51:12

Meenu Johnkutty
St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Yonkers 

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