Dear Church Family,

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

I write to you today with hearts full of gratitude to reflect on the greatest miracle of all—the person and work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Miracle of His Birth

The story of Jesus begins with a miraculous announcement: God entered the world in the most unexpected way. Born of a virgin, Jesus fulfilled the ancient prophecies, proving that nothing is impossible with God. As Isaiah foretold, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). In His birth, we see the humility of God, who chose to come as a helpless child, wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger, to be near us and save us.

The Miracle of His Life

Jesus lived a life like no other. As He walked among us, He showed the power and compassion of God. He healed the sick, raised the dead, opened blind eyes, calmed storms, and fed multitudes. Yet, His greatest work wasn’t just in the miracles He performed but in the message He proclaimed: that the Kingdom of God is at hand and salvation is for all who believe.

Every act, every word, and every miracle pointed to His divine mission—to reconcile us to God.

The Miracle of the Cross

The greatest miracle of all is that Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly laid down His life for us. On the cross, He bore the weight of our sins, taking the punishment we deserved. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

At that moment, heaven touched earth in the most profound way. The curtain of the temple was torn, and the way to God was opened for all who believe. What seemed like defeat became the ultimate victory over sin and death.

The Miracle of the Resurrection

On the third day, the tomb was found empty, and Jesus rose from the dead, proving His power over death and the grave. The resurrection is the foundation of our faith, as Paul declared, “If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). But Christ is risen! Because He lives, we too have the promise of eternal life.

The Miracle of Salvation

This great miracle didn’t end with Jesus’ resurrection. It continues in each of us who have been redeemed by His grace. Through faith, we have been made new creations, adopted into God’s family, and given the Holy Spirit as our guide. This transformation is the miracle of salvation—offered freely to all who believe in His name.

Our Response

Dear Church, how should we respond to such a miracle? Let us live lives of worship, proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to a world in need. Let us love one another, as Christ has loved us, and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live as His witnesses.

As Paul reminds us, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). Let us never grow weary of celebrating and sharing the miracle of Jesus Christ.

Prayer:
Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ—the greatest miracle of all. Help us to live in awe of His birth, His life, His death, and His resurrection. May our lives reflect His love and power, drawing others to the hope we have in Him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

In Christ’s love,
Bill Doane
Servant of the Lord

 To Aspen Grove Church,

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to encourage and uplift you concerning the gifts of the Spirit, which have been freely given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s grace.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:7, "But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift." This passage assures us that every believer has received a unique portion of God's grace, specifically designed to equip us for His divine purpose. None of us are without value or calling in the Body of Christ. Each of us has been graced with gifts, not as a result of our own merit, but as an overflow of Christ’s abundant love.

1. The Source of Our Gifts

Our gifts are not self-generated. They come from the hand of Jesus Himself, distributed by the Spirit to each member of the body. Just as Christ descended to the lowest depths and ascended to the highest heavens (Ephesians 4:9-10), He now reigns with all authority, equipping His people to continue His mission on earth. These gifts are not random or accidental but are intentionally given to edify the church and glorify God.

2. The Diversity of Our Gifts

Paul later explains that some are called to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11). But these are not the only gifts in operation. 1 Corinthians 12 lists many others, including wisdom, knowledge, healing, and discernment. Romans 12 speaks of serving, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and showing mercy. The beauty of this diversity is that it reflects the very nature of God, who is creative, multi-faceted, and ever-working in various ways. No one gift is greater than another, and no one role is insignificant.

3. The Purpose of Our Gifts

Ephesians 4:12-13 declares that these gifts are given "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, until we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God." Our gifts are not for personal glory or self-promotion. They are for building up one another, strengthening the faith of the body, and fostering unity. When one of us operates in our gift, the whole body benefits. If one of us withholds our gift, the whole body feels the loss.

4. The Call to Stewardship

With gifts comes responsibility. Just as Jesus spoke of the faithful servant who was entrusted with talents, so we too are called to be faithful stewards of our spiritual gifts. Let us not bury them out of fear, doubt, or comparison with others. Instead, let us stir up the gifts within us (2 Timothy 1:6) and use them with boldness, knowing that God has empowered us to fulfill His will.

5. Encouragement to Discover and Use Your Gift

Some of you may wonder, "What is my gift?" If that is you, I encourage you to seek God in prayer. Ask Him to reveal it to you. Often, your spiritual gift aligns with the passions God has placed within you. What moves you with compassion? What problems in the world or the church do you feel called to solve? Your gift may already be in operation, and you may not even realize it. Others of you may know your gift but feel unsure or afraid to use it. I challenge you to step out in faith. Trust that God has equipped you for this very reason. The church needs your unique contribution.

Closing Words

Brothers and sisters, I leave you with this encouragement: Walk boldly in your gifting. Do not compare yourself to others, for God has given you a measure that is uniquely yours. Use your gift in love, remembering that it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose (Philippians 2:13). Together, let us seek unity, maturity, and love in all things, knowing that as we grow in our gifts, we grow in Christ.

I pray that the Lord strengthens you, fills you with His Spirit, and gives you the confidence to walk in the power of your spiritual gifts. May you find joy and fulfillment as you serve one another in love.

With love and grace,
Bill Doane
Intern Pastor, Aspen Grove Church