Coming Home for Christmas

This week's scripture is Ephesians 3:16-17a:
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith."

There is deep significance in the phrase “coming home.”  Especially at Christmas.  The notion resounds so loudly within our souls that Jesus even uses the image of home to describe dwelling in God's heavenly presence forever.  But the good news of Jesus is much more than the promise of rescue out of the miry pit of the world, or of our own sinfulness.  The good news if Jesus is also that by God the Holy Spirit, God would dwell within our hearts -- our hearts can become God's home.  This is the unique claim of the gospel amongst all other world religions or philosophies.  Moreover, while our hearts can become God's home, the converse is also true -- God's heart can become our home.  Christ dwells within his people, just as we dwell within Christ (John 17:20-23; Ephesians 2:22; Philippians 1:21; Colossians 3:3).

Pastor Aaron spent significant time reflecting on the essay by Robert Munger, "My Heart, Christ's Home."  You can find that essay online in numerous places, including here:
https://www.usna.edu/Navigators/_files/documents/MHCH.pdf

Can you hear Jesus knocking at the door of your life (Rev. 3:20)?  
Do you realize today that God is real, knows you, and wants to come home to live with you?
Do you hear the Holy Spirit calling your name?  

If you do, then this Christmas you have an opportunity to let Jesus in, and experience the joy of salvation, starting in the here and now and forever.  

Many blessings to you and your household and community this Advent season!

Reflect:
- If your heart is Christ's home, when is the last time you told your story of letting him in?  Who in your life needs to hear it?
- If you're not ready to let Jesus move in to your heart, what is holding you back?
- Do you know anyone with whom you can discuss your questions about a life in Christ?  
UPPC encourages you to be in touch!  We would love to meet you and accompany you on your journey in life and faith.  
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 253-564-2522