I started on my volunteer journey with Anglicare earlier this year at a residential aged care centre, close to home. I still remember my first visit, where I met a lovely elderly lady who shared with me profound insight about Revelations 3: 20 with an image she’d kept from her old church. She showed me the image (similar to the one below) and asked if I noticed anything strange about it.
I studied it for a bit – then started giving all sorts of answers, to which she either shook her head or nodded in agreement, then would say, but that’s not it. That went on for a bit, until I said, “I give up, please tell me what it is.”
With a beautiful smile on her face, she says, “Do you realise that there’s no handle on the door for Jesus to open the door?” I said, “yyeessss…”, slowly, still not getting it. She continues, “The onus is on the person on the other side of the door to let Jesus in to eat with Him.” 🙏
The image of the person inside opening the door to let Jesus in is a powerful reminder: the choice is ours, yours, and mine. We have the choice to open the doors of our hearts, surrender our fears and doubts, and invite Jesus in to transform our lives.
My friends, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, let’s ask ourselves: Who are we inviting into our lives? May our doors be open to Jesus: may His presence bring love, joy, peace, and hope to our hearts and homes, and be our guiding light throughout the season and beyond.
As we seek to live out our faith, how do put Jesus’ teachings into practice? Jesus gave clear guidance to His disciples in Matthew chapter 25. Here are some verses:
Matthew 25:37-40 NIV
[37] “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? [38] When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? [39] When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ [40] “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Everything we need to know about Jesus is in the Bible, read it, meditate on His words, pray and ask the promised Helper, the Holy Spirit to guide us. May this season of advent be filled with Jesus presence and His grace.
[6] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Lord
To God be the glory always 🙏
Idau Hahine 