WHERE DO YOU BELONG?
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
- May 6
- 3 min read
Today’s Readings:
Luke 1:69-75
Luke 11:5-13
There are no neutral territories —you are either on God’s side or the devil’s side. The Pharisees in Jesus’ time said so many disparaging things about Him. But the one thing Jesus could not tolerate was being called an emissary of the devil (Luke 11:15-26). This is because there is a huge difference between good and evil, light and darkness, God and the devil. One cannot pretend to be the other, and neither should we. Jesus said to them in response, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and house falls upon house.” If you are a servant of God’s kingdom, stand well, if n,ot the devil will consume you (God forbid!).
Today, we look at the third Joyful mystery, the Nativity of our Lord. What reflection points can we pick from this awesome mystery?
God became man. In the person of Jesus Christ, God actually took flesh and dwelt among us. By this, he shows us that human nature is good and every life is a gift. Even though we have sinned and fallen from glory, Christ redeems us.
God needs humans. Jesus was vulnerable when he took flesh, and he depended on His parents. Today, he wants us to be his hands and feet, bringing the Good News of salvation to the world.
Only people of goodwill can rejoice. The angels shouted, “Glory to God in the highest and peace to people of goodwill” (Luke 2:14). Our goodwill shows when we love others and treat them with dignity and respect.
There is great wisdom in choosing simplicity. Jesus was born in a stable, away from the eyes of the high and mighty who glory in their material wealth. Jesus came in simplicity so that we can see that we do not need all the wealth of the world to be humane and happy.
Jesus came to identify with the lowest of the low. Sin is the lowest humans have ever descended in our evolution. Jesus’ birth initiated a revolution which restores us to God by the power of His love.
Jesus longs to lift us from poverty of mind, pocket and soul. Our greatest need is to be loved by God. In Jesus Christ, God restores us to our place as His children and wants to give us the Holy Spirit, the source of serenity, wisdom and every good thing. May God rescue you from poverty of every kind.
From witnesses to heralds. We have witnessed God’s sign (a child in a manger), who is the mighty God. Spread this message far and wide that God is now on earth with us (Emmanuel).
Stand for light or fall for darkness. Christ or Beelzebub? Who do you choose? To stand with God is to be in the light and flee the works of darkness. You cannot be friends with God and still court the works of darkness. God cannot be mocked—you are only deceiving yourself.
Christ is born in every heart by faith. Mary conceived and gave birth to Jesus in the flesh. Every Christian conceives and gives birth to Christ in the spirit. Let your actions show the love of Christ, who came to serve others.
Be like Christ in simplicity. Live simply. Speak truthfully. Serve wholeheartedly. Trust God completely, and you will be doing what God has placed you in the world to do.
The password today is LIGHT. Be a light in the world.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome into the body of Christ. Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, make my heart a fitting home for Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Drive away the works of darkness and shine the light of your grace on all that I think about, say and do and let my life bear witness to your presence in the world. Amen.
May the light of grace shine over your heart and fill every corner of your life to dispel the darkness of sin, curses, stagnation and setbacks in the most Holy and miraculous name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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