For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah, Bible, Isaiah 9:6

A Slice of Fresh Bread

[This is the final Advent Fresh Bread, and we will look at what the Gospel writer John had to say about why Jesus came to earth.] 

Throughout his Gospel, John refers to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved.  John’s identity was built upon his awareness of God’s love for him. He knew he was loved and that reality shaped John’s view of himself and his world. 

Our lives are not designed to be empty, they long to be full.  And they will be filled with something. John knew the joy and fulfillment of a life filled with the love of Jesus. 

When we lack satisfaction and peace, we can assume that our lives are empty or filled with the wrong things.  Money, pleasure, drugs, busyness, popularity, recognition, accomplishment, power, control, isolation, music, alcohol, cars, clothes, artistry, sports, even church, camp, and ministry can become artificial replacements for the love we all desire. 

John is the only gospel writer to record Jesus words: I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)   He knew Jesus’ love and it filled his life.  John’s three short epistles show how that love overflowed to others.  But before love changed John’s relationships, it changed his heart.  First and foremost, he was the disciple Jesus loved. 

What would be different if my primary perception of myself was I am the disciple that Jesus loves?  How would I treat others?  How would I spend my time and money? And how would I feel about the bumps and bruises on the pathway of life? 

Prayer Requests

January 16-18 CCI-UK holds its Management Conference for Christian Centre managers throughout the UK. Please pray for the planning and preparation of this conference.

CCI-Spain holds its National Conference, January 19-22 in northwest Spain.  Please pray that this would be well attended and that guests from Portugal might be able to participate as well.   

CCI-Russia holds its Christian Camping Leaders Conference January 29-February 2. Please pray for the planning and promotion of this conference that serve not only Russian camping leaders but people from many countries in the former Soviet Union.

In just over five month (April 19-24, 2012) participants from around the world will meet at Pinos Reales, a Christian camp near Madrid, for the CCI-Worldwide Summit.  Please pray for the preparations and funding for this major training and planning event.  

Many CCI associations are struggling financially.  Please pray that generous support would be provided during this Christmas season.