A father and son are playing together in the living room. They have out Legos, cars, fruit snack wrappers, and popcorn kernels. A drink has been spilled and pillows displaced from wrestling … when all of a sudden mom walks in and says, “You all need to clean up this mess.” What does all mean? Everything. Overwhelming, huh?

Think about the word all in this verse. God’s good news is for all people. God’s love and grace is for everyone. Even the people who cause hurt and harm in our lives and the lives of others? It’s overwhelming to consider it, isn’t it? But the answer is yes. God’s story of redemption is for all. People who look like us? Yes. People who worship Allah? Yes. People who shoot up schools and strap bombs to themselves? Yes. People who commit sins against God every day, like you and me? Yes.

Question is … if you live in this redemptive story as a Christian … where is God sending you today? To whom are you to take God’s message? Perhaps to someone as broken and flawed as you and I.

PRAY THIS…

Send me, O God, with the good news of great joy of the season — the news of reconciliation. Jesus has come and is coming. May I join the angels in proclaiming it to all the people you put before me. Amen.

Tim Beck is pastor of Kenbridge United Methodist Church. His email address is revtimbeck@gmail. com.