Dear Faith Family, 

Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, (Jonah 3:1). 

Preparation.  Decoration.  Vacation.  Congregation.  Movies or football?  “That’s easy” you say.  Problem is that some of you who answered that question very quickly are married to an individual who also answered very quickly, “That’s easy.”  Problem is that they chose football, and you chose movies. 

It has been a delight to get ready - preparation, to decorate (ok, ok – so not all of the decoration has been a delight), to have some time off - vacation, and to gather as a family - congregation over the Christmas break.  But, when I was ready for some football (or some AFV), there was this voice calling out for more Christmas movies!  You’re familiar with the Christmas classic: 

While Frosty was Home Alone, Rudolph led the Grinch (thus the colors of Christmas – red for Rudolph’s nose and green for the Grinch) aboard the Polar Express.  There was some kind of Miracle on 34th Street and both Rudolph and the Grinch turned into Elf(ves).  Capitalizing on their newfound identities they stole Christmas and, wait for it, (insert a drum roll here played by The Little Drummer Boy) lived a Wonderful Life. 

Ok, maybe it didn’t go quite like that.  In any case, we did watch A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott.  Interestingly enough, Scrooge was given three different opportunities to rethink his current lifestyle and to change his life. 

Here’s what I’m getting to: Jonah 3:1 has captured my attention in a new way.  God gave Jonah another opportunity.  Question:  would you have given Jonah a second chance?  After the way that he responded to the first opportunity?  What a gracious God! 

Consider that this same God, our God, gives us multiple opportunities to rethink our current lifestyle and to change.  Are you currently making some poor choices?  Is your vocational attitude less than stellar?  Is there someone against whom you are holding a grudge?  Are you running from God or mad at God because He hasn’t “come through” for you? 

He is the God of Christmas past, Christmas present, and Christmas future.  He is the God who extends His Word again.  His mercies are new every morning.  Great is His faithfulness?  Is it time for a change?  Today? 

Rethinking, 
Pastor Karl