Rev. William R. Vogelsang, Jr.
There are alot of things speaking to us, but who are we listening to. When we listen to God, we hear about love and forgiveness.
The best leaders know how to focus on what is right in front of them and to always keep their mission in perspective. Jesus never let the crowds or possibility of fame take him off course. He continued to look out and beyond at the people He came to save. At Community Lutheran Church, we work together to further God's kingdom while always looking to Christ as our strength and salvation.
Advances in technology and other things in this world may amaze us, but imagine being present when Jesus cast out demons and performed miracles! It would have been truly amazing, right? The most amazing thing of all, however, is that Jesus is the savior of the world.
Jesus' words in John tell us to "Follow Him". We can have confidence to do just that and not doubt about our life in Christ.
Are you excited about the Christmas parties you attended this weekend? The growing pile of gifts underneath your tree? How about all of the relatives flying in from out of town? Oh, yeah...and Jesus is coming! What are we focused on this Christmas, and how did Christ's birth impact us for all eternity?
When we see an ambulance coming, we move out of the way, knowing that the paramedics are sent to bring healing and help to those in need. But how was Jesus sent to bring healing, and how are we sent as Christians?
The well-known elements of the Christmas story such as the manger, the stable, and the star are important, but Mark begins his Gospel not with these things, but at the very beginning of the story of Jesus. What does Mark's Gospel mean for us this Christmas?
