For people who experience the grace of God in their lives, fresh starts begin not with what we resolve to do but what God has already done for us in Christ. New beginnings in the Christian life begin at the finish line-the place where Jesus accomplished all that was necessary to give us life and make us right with God once for all. Hearing Jesus’ bold declaration afresh is how we should start the new year: “It is finished!”
There’s a longing in every one of us for nearness to God, intimacy with God, access to God, contact with God. Our hearts wonder together with Joan Osborne: What if God was one of us? If God had a name, what would it be? If God had a face what would it look like? Matthew 1 gives us answers those questions: God did become one of us as a Jewish baby. His name was Jesus, and he would be the King, Mediator, and Savior of sinners.
Last words are always significant. King David, instead of leaving his people with words looking back, he gives them words for the future. A glimpse into a Kingdom of righteousness and life; justice and prosperity—a Kingdom that David’s greater descendant -Jesus Christ -would bring about. And, so he leaves them with more than last words– he leaves them with hope.
We are very prone to love in theory only, instead of like Jesus in Word and Deed. The Bible teaches that holding together both the Word (proclamation of Jesus), and the Deed (demonstration), are critical—words without deeds are powerless, and deeds without words are meaningless. The permanent office of the Diaconate in the church reminds us that we must love in deed.
Detailed directions, parking recommendations, etc >>
is located at the Info Table before and after the Sunday service. Please check it if you’ve lost something at church lately. We have a lot of umbrellas and sunglasses just now…
can be sent to Grace DC at 637 Indiana Ave. NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20004; or dropped by the office any time during business hours as is convenient for you! If you’d like to donate stock to the church, or learn more about the tax benefits of doing so, email our accountant.
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