And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

Last week I ran into a lady who is a Mayflower descendant. With some degree of pride she related the exploits of her pilgrim ancestors.

Quite rightly, I think.

Have you ever thought what it was like to be there on April 5th when their ship ran up its sails and began a return voyage to England? Half of your fellowship had died... there was no real medical help available... you didn't know when, or if, another ship would come again.

The pilgrims were alone. The Atlantic was on one side and the limitless and unknown continent on the other. Amazingly, when the captain of that departing ship offered them passage back to England, not a single one of them said, "Take me, take me!"

In spite of what they had endured; in spite of the unknown future, they decided to trust their Savior. Knowing that although they were almost alone when it came to outside human contact, those brave souls knew they could never truly be by themselves.

Their faith was such that they knew when a person has nothing left but God, God is enough. It's only when all the rest of what we hold valuable is gone, only when the unimportant is stripped away, that we understand the importance of our Lord's love and ongoing presence.

It's just that we didn't see God's great gifts clearly before.

That's something you might want to remember when you see other folks searching for happiness and running from one temporary thrill to another. Far better I think, to be like the pilgrims and believe the God who is with us is in control.

Far better to hold the Savior who was born in humble surroundings, and still watches over His people.

His Bethlehem birth marks the beginning of a life which would be spent keeping company with sinful souls. Jesus was born like us, walked with us, talked with us, stayed with us, ate at our tables, and mourned with us in our sorrows.

He is the Savior of sinners, the risen Christ who comforts all who trust in Him.

This is why I say, if you feel your ship is sailing and your last chance is disappearing over the horizon; if you think the future is uncertain, look to the manger and see your Savior.

His promise remains: "I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full."

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, let me face all my tomorrows with confidence that no events can come to this sin-blackened world which can ever separate me from the salvation the Savior has won. May I live my life in Jesus and bear witness to the changes brought about by the Savior's bloody sacrifice and glorious resurrection. In His Name I pray it. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Zechariah 5-8    Jude

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