Advent is a time of good will

       Luke 2:14  “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth ‘peace’ good will toward men.'”  Today’s word is good will.  The angels announced to the shepherds that Jesus brought glory to God by coming to earth, peace and good will for all mankind.  What is good will?  According to the dictionary, good will is a friendly or kindly attitude, willingness or readiness to go above and beyond to help others.  How did Christ’s coming bring good will to man?  Philippians 2:7 says “but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”   It is through the kindness and willingness of Christ to come and die for our sins that we are made whole and acceptable to God.  Christ has done the work of making me acceptable. I simply need to take this free gift in faith.  Romans 5: 11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”   2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”   Romans 10:9-10 “‘That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” 

       The question for today is-now that we have good will through Christ, how will we share this good will with others?  Do you know a neighbor that is a shut-in and needs a visit or some cookies?  Do you know a child or family that needs a toy or food for their table?  Do you know someone who needs a kind word or encouragement from God’s Word?  There are multiple opportunities to show the good will of Christ to others at this season.  Look around you and find some way to participate and share in the good will of Christ.

Looking for opportunities to share good will,

Linda

Show good will towards others.