Matters of Faith
By Bascom Ratliff
Pastor, Parker/Beagle/Fontana United Methodist Churches
Scripture: Romans 12: 1-2
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
2 Corinthians 5:17
"So if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; everything old has passed away; everything has become new."
As we continue through Advent and prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, I am reminded that every December is an opportunity to reflect on our relationship with our Savior and a time to thank God for the many wonderful gifts we receive from our relationship with him. It is a time for spiritual nourishment and renewal.
One of the better gifts that we received from God is that of transformation, a renewal of our hearts and our minds through Christ. In Christ, we are a new creation. The old sins and values that rule our lives have been replaced by new values such as love, patience, kindness, forgiveness, and generosity. Christmas becomes a time we thank God for the wonderful gifts of fellowship and love. And it is a time that we express our thanksgiving and our transformation by giving generously to others. Take time to read Matthew 25 for some great, tangible, gift-giving ideas. It’s time to recognize that giving someone a meal, something to drink, clothing, and a visit, are lasting and timely gifts reflecting our relationship with a loving God.
As a transformed Christian, I believe that God is asking us to go beyond the mere giving of gifts and to begin opening ourselves to thinking and believing that God is calling us to an authentic, spiritually intimate relationship with others. We are asked to stretch our spiritual boundaries and strengthen our faith. We are asked to let our light and life in Christ shine so brightly that those around us witness firsthand the power of God’s transformational gift.
This Christmas I encourage you to consider giving God an ample portion of your time, energy, and worship. Carve out time from your day to sit silently and reverently with God. Reflect on the wonderful gifts that you have received from God. Express your thanks.
This Christmas I encourage you to also consider carving on a time to give someone a gift of your time and attention. Spending a quiet moment with someone who needs encouragement and support is often a gift of incredible value.
In closing, I encourage you to again praise and thank God for the wonderful gift of Jesus Christ. Let the transformation of God’s love open your heart and your mind. I believe that God sent Jesus to be a transforming gift for all of us. The wonderful news for us is the birth of Jesus. One wonderful gift that we can give to celebrate the newborn Christ is service to others and our continued acceptance of his mercy, love, and forgiveness.
This holiday season: Be Transformed! Celebrate Jesus!
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Do you find yourself longing for genuine love and companionship? If you’re ready to seek God’s love, I invite you to come and worship with us. We are fueled by God’s wonderful promise of unfailing love. Please accept our invitation to a morning of wonderful music and great fellowship. And, of course, hot drinks and cookies.
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We will worship at the Beagle United Methodist Church during December 2024.
We will worship at the Fontana UMC during January 2025.
We will worship at the Parker UMC during December 2025.
All Sunday services are at 10 a.m.
We serve communion on the first Sunday of the month.
All are welcome in God’s House.
Dr. Bascom Ratliff (913-710-5748)
Pastor: Parker/Beagle/Fontana
United Methodist Churches
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