Living a life that Matters

“Christ is breaking open his way to you. He wants to again soften your heart, which has become hard. In these weeks of Advent while we are waiting for Christmas, he calls to us that he is coming and that he will rescue us from the prison of our existence, from fear, guilt, and loneliness. Do you want to be redeemed? This is the one great question Advent puts before us…. But let us make no mistake about it. Redemption is drawing near. Only the question is: Will we let it come to us as well or will we resist it? Will we let ourselves be pulled into this movement coming down from heaven to earth or will we refuse to have anything to do with it? Either with us or without us, Christmas will come. It is up to each individual to decide what it will be.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I am excited for Christmas and for the preparation of the season of Advent. God is preparing my heart through repentance. The prophet Malachi says But who can endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. The prelude to his coming is a righteous cleansing. God judges and cleanses us with love and grace. This type of repentance acknowledges the need for change. Change in our hearts and hope in a fallen world from the loving justice of God. Thank you God for sending your son to redeem and restore us.