Dear beloved in Christ Jesus,
As you prepare to celebrate the arrival of a new year…(2020!), consider this: our times are in God’s hands, and we Christians live under grace and the continued “refreshment” that He supplies for our souls through His Word and sacraments.
And now, consider these words of the Holy Spirit from Acts 3:19-20:
“Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus….”
Reflecting on this “refreshment from the Lord,” here are some further thoughts.
As God’s law exposes our sin by pressing so heavily down upon us and squeezing out our confession–finding ourselves so broken and crushed in our shame and guilt, so we look to Him who was broken and crushed in suffering and punishment for us—in Him who took our place in receiving God’s wrath and displeasure against all our sin, but who then rose from the dead triumphing over death for us. Looking in faith for mercy, we find it again and again in Him who bears the name JESUS.
And oh, how He refreshes us! How He lifts us up with His name and all that His name means and reveals! His name means “SAVIOR.” His name, JESUS, means that God has come to rescue us. His name, JESUS, means that God’s mercy is at hand—available for all people! And those who repent of their sins and trust in Him as Savior have and are assured of His great gifts: the forgiveness of sins, having peace with God, life eternal in the glories of heaven–SALVATION! The name, JESUS, means strength for daily living—joy in the midst of sadness—contentment in a world of misery. His name, JESUS, means power for living the Christian faith and life. His name, JESUS, means that He is here for you…powerfully present in His Word…in His sacraments. Here He is to sustain you, to lift you up, to carry you into and through the course of the new year and all through life unto eternal life in heaven. He says: “I am yours, and you are Mine; I will never let you go!”
Treasure dearly that you were baptized in Jesus’ name when your pastor poured water on your head saying to you: “[Your name] I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” The saving work of Jesus Christ in His death and resurrection was given to you mercifully and mightily by God when you were baptized.
Our prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, keep me as Your very own. Make me to be a regular recipient of Your Means of Grace–Your Word and Sacraments. Refresh my soul by the power of Your Word–that, confessing my sins, I would be blessed with Your Word of forgiveness, and that I would live day by day with the joy of salvation. In Your name, Amen.