I used “Christ” and not “Jesus” intentionally.  At this time of year we often think of Jesus as the little baby born on Christmas morn and forget that Jesus came as the Christ, the One to save the people from their sins, a radical if there ever was one.  At Christmas it is east to be a Christian with all the good will floating about but the rest of the year it is not so easy to be counted with Christ.  If we follow Jesus Christ, we are liable to get into hot water by loving enemies, turning the other cheek, sharing our own resources with those in need, lifting up injustice.  In all of these actions, and more, we mark ourselves as counted with Christ.  In Scripture and in the early Church, being connected to Jesus could get you killed.  It may not come to that here in the USA but thousands of our brothers and sisters are daily persecuted because they are counted with Christ.  Today, stand up and be a loving, caring “Jesus freak” and be counted with Christ: the baby and the radical.  Read Luke 23:9-11 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Pastor Ed