Pastor Larson’s Corner: Passwords
When I first started using a computer, I had the same password for everything. I figured it would assure me of never forgetting a password when I needed it. Later I learned that this was not a good idea. Now, I have a different password for everything. I can only remember a few of these, so I have made a list of my passwords and keep it handy. With these passwords I am able to access all the wonderful functions of my computer.
During the season of Christmas I was reminded of some of the words of scripture that give us access to the wonderful things that God has to give us. Like computer passwords, these words open up a wonderful world for us. They give us access to all God’s gifts and fill our hearts with joy and new life. Here are a couple of examples.
Take, for example, the word peace. The angels proclaim peace on earth and herald the coming of the Prince of Peace. In a world where peace seems to be so elusive, the angels’ words give us hope for the future. Their words remind us that war and conflict are not inevitable and that we can work for real peace in the world. Through the peace of Christ, we gain access to a peace that passes human understanding.
A second great Biblical password is the word love. Love has the power to unlock many doors for us in this life. At Christmas we celebrate the love of God coming into the world through the birth of a child. As we receive this love into our hearts and lives, we are changed. Indeed, we are a new creation. In addition, we are enabled by this love to go forth into the world and make a difference by loving others in Christ’s name.
Peace and love: two Biblical passwords that can make a real difference in our lives.
Pastor Larson’s Corner is written by Jerry Larson and appears weekly in the Norwegian American Weekly.
Pastor Jerry Larson retired to his cabin in Zimmerman, Minn., after 39 years in parish ministry for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In 2011 he published a book entitled “Speaking the Word Freely: Writing with purpose, preaching with power.” Contact him at jerlarson@visi.com
This article originally appeared in the Jan. 22, 2016, issue of the Norwegian American Weekly. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.
