The Gospel

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Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of the universe and giver of life.  You formed us in you own image and called us to dwell in your infinite love.  You gave the world into our care that we might be your faithful stewards and show forth your bountiful grace.

But we failed to honor your image in one another and in ourselves; we would not see your goodness in the world around us; and so we violated your creation, abused one another, and rejected your love.  Yet you never ceased to care for us, and prepared the way of salvation for all people.

Through Abraham and Sarah you called us into covenant with you.  You delivered us from slavery, sustained us in the wilderness, and raised up prophets to renew your promise of salvation.  Then, in the fullness of time, you sent your eternal Word, made mortal flesh in Jesus.  Born into the human family, and dwelling among us, he revealed your glory.  Giving himself freely to death on the cross, he triumphed over evil by his resurrection from the dead, opening the way of freedom and life.

Blessings of God be with you.

OD

Comments

Steve Hopkins said…
Your story "The Endless Knot" posted on Dec. 4th was really appropriate. It's kind of peculiar how Christians seem to half-way get in tune with our true call to give and serve this time of year. Unfortunately this is an area that the evangelical world tends to miss the target on the majority of the time. Thanks for your thoughts and for challenging me to be a better servant of Christ.
11 December, 2008 04:55
odysseusjak said…
Thanks for the input Hop. Yeah, I agree. The sad part to me is that it takes Christmas to remind us and then it seems to only be half-hearted. The Christian vocation is one of selfless giving and serving all-year-round.
11 December, 2008 05:00
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