I heard an wonderful arrangement of "Holy Manna" earlier this week at the meeting of Central Florida Presbytery. As the choir sang, the juxtaposition of the texts, "Brethren we have met to worship" and "I'm glad to be a Christian", caught my attention. I'm always glad for the opportunity to worship. The beauty of songs, hymns, praise, and prayers to God are always renewing to me. But the declaration "I'm glad to be a Christian" caught me off guard. Am I glad to be a Christian? Are you? Why?
That seems like a great question to try to answer. I'm glad for the glory, beauty, and wonder of God I see in life and the world. I'm glad for the love God gives us in Jesus Christ. I'm glad for the joyful life we share together at Park Lake through the Holy Spirit. You don't have to think very long about the question, "Are you glad to be a Christian?", before you start to think of lots of good reasons for gladness. One of the most delightful reasons is you! I'm glad for you and the joyful faith we share. Thus I hope to see you Sunday, so we can celebrate in gladness the gift of God's love and goodness poured out for us in Jesus Christ.
Psalm 33:20-22
Our soul waits for the Lord;
he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him,
because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.
Dan DeBevoise
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