Sunday Thought – 08.12.24

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”

(NIV, 1 Timothy 1:15)

There are many Bible verses that people are reminded of as we approach Christmas; the one quoted above is possibly in the minority. The Apostle Paul who wrote this had no doubt that we all need a saviour (classifying himself in this verse as “the worst” of sinners), yet the Bible also states that it is for individuals to make a personal choice to accept Jesus as that saviour.

There is a wide range of responses to the Christian message, during the year generally and around Christmas. Some chose to ignore it completely, others politely decline. A good number accept invitations to church services (such as Christmas Carol events) but don’t take things further. Christians continue to pray though that God will use them and their churches to reach those in need of salvation, the real ‘reason for the season’.

What’s your focus this advent? Do you have the great reassurance as a Christian that your sins are forgiven? Or have you yet to find that forgiveness available to all?

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

(NIV, John 3:16-17)

Prayer Points for the Week:

• Pray for the clean-up and repairs after the UK’s recent storms, particularly in Wales.
• Pray for those left anxious in South Korea after a turbulent political week.
• Please pray for the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East. For peace; for aid to get through to those in need; for those mourning the loss of loved ones.