You’re Worth Loving
This year St. Peter’s UCC in Grant Park is providing the book A Love Worth Giving to You at Christmas by Max Lucado for our members to distribute to their families, friends, and neighbors as a small gift.
Each book includes an invitation to worship with our church family on Christmas Eve.
Throughout Advent we are reminding everyone that they are worth loving!
Lucado writes, “(Jesus) went from commanding angels to sleeping in straw. From holding stars to clutching Mary’s finger. The palm that held the universe took the nail of a soldier. Why? Because that’s what love does.”
Each day, during Advent, join us for a journey to see just how much God’s love for you is evidenced in the story of Christmas.
Don’t Let Worry Keep You from Christmas
There is less than a week before Christmas Day.
Most likely you, or someone you know, is worried about something.
Maybe you’re worried about your travel plans over the holidays, worried about if you bought that special person the right gift, worried about getting everything wrapped, baked, and prepared for your Christmas celebrations.
Or, maybe you’re worried about everyday problems like paying the bills, medical issues, or what will be in store in the future.
Worry is nothing new! Jesus knew that it was an earthly struggle for God’s people and He even taught about the importance of giving your worries over to Him.
If someone is worried about what someone might say about them or do to them, Jesus teaches to focus more on God than man.
If someone is worried about earning a loftier salary, getting the biggest and most expensive gadgets, or earning a high status in life, Jesus says to store up treasure in heaven and not on the things of this earth.
If someone is worried about what life will bring tomorrow, Jesus encourages to keep their eyes focused on eternity and not this earthly life.
This advent, if you find yourself lacking the joy, peace, hope and love of Christmas, take a few moments to reflect and see if it is because you are worried about something.
If so, take some time to pray and ask God to take your worries from you and to give you His peace.
God doesn’t want you to be overcome with things out of your control. He LOVES you so much and wants you to know that YOU are WORTH LOVING.
Prayer: God, everything is in Your hands. Your creation can’t move without Your command. Help us to trust more deeply in Your divine plan and to place our worries and concerns at Your feet. Give us Your peace. Amen.