1 Corinthians 1:4-7 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, 5 for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— 6 just as the testimony of[ Christ has been strengthened among you— 7 so that you are not lacking in any gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When I signed up to do a devotional, it was this passage that stood out to me amongst the others –for two reasons, both from the very first line in verse 4; “I thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you…” (NLT).

Pastor Jeff and I moved to Amherst 18 months ago. You have accepted us into your lives and hearts most graciously! We have made many new friendships and rekindled old ones.

You see, I’ve moved a lot, 32 times across three continents, to be precise, and that’s left a longing in my heart for a place to call home, for a place with roots! Even though I lived in Amherst from 2001-2004, moving back to Amherst was difficult for me as we moved further away from my family. Yet, your acceptance of us into your hearts and homes has made this transition easier! Your love, support, and friendship for each other, this church, and your support of the community warms my heart and soul. I am humbly grateful for each of you and your friendship; as Paul writes in verse 4 - I thank God for each of you!

The second part of that first line… “the gracious gifts he has given you,” stirs my heart in excitement of what God can do…is doing…and will do through our gifts! Gifts of time, talent, and treasure. I thank God for how you use your gifts to spread His Good News of love, grace, forgiveness, and acceptance in our hurting community and world!

I sense more good things happening in our future! I look forward to the Advent season with you as we celebrate together the birth of a tiny babe, our Lord! I look forward to the day when our Lord returns, and I have faith that “He will keep you strong to the end….” (verse 8) -Sharon White