Good morning people who believe enough to pray for those who are far off.

If the Bible repeats a matter, so should we. Therefore, let’s lean in further to Paul’s wonderful letter to the church at Ephesus.

Ephesians 3:2-6 NIV Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

Are you seeing the richness of God’s love and kindness to people?

I pray you are.

The mystery of God’s grace is fully known in the mystery of Jesus Christ. God’s grace doesn’t exist outside of knowing Christ. Therefore, the two – God’s grace and Jesus Christ – are inseparable.

And it uses the word ‘mystery’ wisely. Paul is saying that this is ‘unknown’; that it is ‘hidden’. But unlike a natural mystery that might never be solved, the spiritual mysteries of God’s grace that are found in Jesus Christ are there to be discovered and fully entered into. This itself is part of the mystery!

Paul once again unpacks what the effects of this revelation of God’s grace in Jesus Christ are. It is not about natural blessings and feelings of happiness, but rather, it is the grafting in of Gentiles into the family of God! It is about inviting near those who were once far off.

Christmas is coming; a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is glorious! So, as we celebrate in this season, let’s consider and meditate on the true reason Jesus came. And let’s pray for those in our lives who do not yet walk in the grace of God and in His unlimited love.

My prayer this Christmas is for unbelievers to become heirs together with God’s people, members of His body together, and sharers in the promise together in Christ Jesus. Amen!