Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

December 25: 1John 1-5

Scripture: 1John 4:9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. (NOTE: God’s present/gift to me!)
10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (NOTE: I love by being present, not absent.)
12 No-one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us (NOTE: lives now, in this present time.) and his love is made complete in us.

Observation: The English word “present” has several meanings that apply to Christmas. First: the children all want a “present” (gift) for Christmas. Second: the birth of Jesus demonstrated that God was “present” (not absent) among men. Third: Jesus was not coming in history (the past) nor the future, but in the “present.”

Application: I have found that in my “present” (current) life, Jesus is “present” (with me)! And that is the greatest Christmas “present” (gift) of all! He is truly Immanuel – God with us!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of your presence! My present to you is being present in worship and present in serving others. Lord, here am I; use me. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!