Vaccines (12/17)
Mark Barbee

There is a lot of talk today about vaccines and how soon we may get them.  They will be helpful.  But there is a greater virus and greater vaccines.

The greater virus is sin and we all have it.  It is deadly 100% of the time.  But there is one vaccine that makes all the difference and that is faith in Jesus.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. “  Our faith in Jesus changes the way we look at everything.  Salvation through Jesus accepts his blood and the forgiveness of our sin disease.  It also cleanses us from all sin (I John1:9)

That vaccine has eternal consequences, delivering us from spiritual death and ultimately from physical death.  Our spiritual deliverance is called salvation and abundant life (Jn. 10:10).  Our physical deliverance is the resurrection, first of Jesus, and then all of us who believe in him.  First, Christ was raised from the dead.  Then, when he returns our mortal bodies will be raised and transformed.

There is another vaccine for right now.  It is the antidote to sin, depression, fear and disease.  It is called Thanksgiving.  Not just the holiday, but we can live in thanksgiving.  Giving thanks lifts our spirits.  This is especially important in a season of lockdowns, and social distancing.  

Now, as we move into winter the days are shorter and darker.  Once in a while we see the sun, but not so often.  But what a blessing that we can celebrate the Light of the world!  Light and love came into the world at Christmas.  John said it this way, “the true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world” (Jn. 1:9). 

So let us cherish the Christmas season.  We remember the true light, no matter how dark the world may seem.  We remember that “by Jesus’ stripes we are healed” (I Peter 2:24).  What a great vaccine!  Have you received it yet?  You don’t have to wait for it or pay for it.  The vaccine is here and it’s free!  Its name is Jesus and you can have him in your life today!

Even better, vaccines and diseases are temporary.  Jesus is eternal!

By the way, have you heard there is a conjunction of planets on Monday, Dec. 21st similar to what appeared in the heavens around the time of Christ’s birth?  Jupiter, the King Planet, appears with Saturn, a bright planet!  This only happens every several hundred years.  Check it out if you are reading this beforehand.

So let us pray:

Jesus your love is eternal.  Your love is powerful.  By your blood we are forgiven.  By your stripes we are healed.  Thank you that we are delivered from sin and death.  Thank you that praise and thanksgiving are the antidotes for depression and disease and social isolation.  Thank you that you gave us Christmas at this time of year (in our hemisphere!) so that as days grow darker and colder, your light warms our hearts.     

Help us to cherish this Christmas season.  Remind us of the glorious details of the Christmas story.  For some faith was renewed.  For others it was rewarded and fulfilled!  Thank you that each character in the Christmas story has a lesson for us.  Yes, vaccines may be coming soon.  But the greatest vaccine is already here.  Thank you that it is immediately available to all of us!  And thank you that Jesus delivers us from eternal death.  We praise you and thank you, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.