1 John 1:1-4

1 John 1:1-4
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete.

We had a lovely moment the other Sunday when a new baby was brought to church. Her Dad and Grandmother were naturally proud, and enjoyed showing her off – quite right too! I’m sure you’ve heard of the phrase a win-win situation? Inviting others into our family, the family of the church, seems to me to take this to the next level, a win-win-win situation. They get to win because they gain a relationship with God and all the joys and advantages of being part of his family. We get to win because our family grows and their presence deepens and enriches our joy, and I wonder if a logical third win is that God wins, because his family grows, just as we win when ours does! Win-win-win!

Thank you Father that you have brought us into your family through Jesus, with all the joy that this has brought. Help us by the Spirit to deepen our joy, the joy of others and your joy, by being an open, inviting family, that welcomes others.