Worship Service for January 5, 2025

Perhaps you’ve heard the story of one Mehran Karimi Nasseri. Exiled from his native Iran, he got on a plane and fled to Paris without a passport or proper immigration papers. The French authorities refused to allow him entry into France. He was a man without a country. No one wanted him. Nasseri made his home in a terminal at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. He simply survived. He had no purpose. Each day, he staked out a new spot in which to hide. Surrounded by busy travelers, he was ignored by everyone. Not only was he a man without a country, but also his life was empty. He had no purpose. Perhaps you feel unappreciated, unwanted, or unloved. You are wanted, you are appreciated, and you are loved. You have a place, a home, a family in your heavenly Father’s house. Mary and Joseph should have known Jesus would be there (Lk 2:49), because he came to that very place to make it home for you. The Father’s Son went about his business, his purpose, even to Calvary’s cross to make you also the Father’s child. Take heart. The love of Jesus overflows and floods you with his grace and peace.