Thursday, June 8, 2017

NEW BEGINNINGS

Following a Christmas Eve service, Harry lingered to talk

with the pastor. He whispered, “It has been ten years since I was

in church on Christmas Eve. The last time I was so drunk that I

passed out. But Jesus did not give up on me. I have been a

changed man since I invited Jesus into my life and started

attending AA. But I was so ashamed of my awful conduct on that

Christmas Eve ten years ago that I have stayed away from

Christmas services since then. But this year God seemed to nudge

me to come back. I’m glad I’m here.”

The kind and understanding pastor pulled Harry off to the

side and prayed with him this prayer: “O Lord, thank you for not

only forgiving Harry’s sin, but also for helping him join the rest of

us sinners in celebrating the Savior’s birth. Amen.”

God not only forgives; he helps us start anew.