Hear The Savior Calling

My husband, Bishop Clint Knowles, shares a beautiful word to ready us for the Holiday Season.

“We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and now we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” -John 4:42

After 33 years of living on the earth, Jesus’s life was still impacting those around Him. So much that the historical question of, “Is this the Christ?” was still cycling the hearts and minds of many. This Scripture, in John 4, reveals to us how our humanity can be so frail.  Even after many miracles, testimonies, and eye witness accounts those who followed Christ were daily learning more about this Powerful Christ. He had a way of knowing all, touching all and revealing all!

At the time of Christ’s birth, the angels declared two important truths we must embrace even today; Jesus’s birth brought God’s Glory and Peace to the earth.  Many had spoke of His birth, many had been hearing of his entrance into the earth, but like those in John 4, did everyone really hear and believe this child was the Savior of the world?

I am compelled this holiday season to ‘hear’ what the Savior is saying in this day and hour.  I have been hearing and reading scripture my entire life and I am wondering, “Have I heard what He is saying?” Our culture is in this organized chaos. Supposedly, we are coming out of the pandemic. However, I still see people in random situations wearing masks.  I am finding myself in situations where vaccines are being promoted or demoted.  Like a ferris wheel of emotions, our world is being displayed before us as “all is normal” through the barrage of commercials and media agenda that is still working 24/7 to condition the hearts and minds of our present generation.

In the midst of this ever evolving, emotionally, boosted world; Christmas is coming!  Just as the timeless tradition of Advent, no matter what flesh based, man made, holly jingle tunes erupt from the noise of this world… I can hear the Savior calling.  Just as His birth created a marker in time, to stop, look and listen, in December 2021, that same show stopping Peace is present again. I want to hear His voice. 

This morning we woke up to a lite snow in Pickerington, Ohio.  Not really unusual for this part of the world, but unusual for me and my family.  Snow for Southerners is an event that you enjoy for a day or two and then move on. Here in the North, snow means winter is here and the cold will be with us till Easter, I say that with a smile.  Today, Father spoke to me as the snow was falling so soft and peaceful on the trees and in our back yard.  He shared, “Hear me call, listen for My voice, I am bringing peace.”

This is not a new thing.  Christ has never stopped being peace.  The angels declared it on the night of His birth and it is still true today.  He is still showing up, bringing everything we could ever need and just as He ministered to the woman at the well in John 4 He is still speaking truth.  

I want to hear Him.  I want to hear His voice so clearly that, there will be no question as to what He is speaking into my life.  What about you?  As ministers, we usually take December as a time to pause, rest, and enjoy family.  Then, we pull ourselves together and get ready to “hear” Him in January for the new year.  Right now, I am being compelled to not only focus on the season of thankfulness and family, but in the midst of that, as the snow is falling gently in the background I want to hear His voice even more clearly this Christmas.  When the New Year breaks through, I am confident we can all be at a place of hearing and receiving, 

Will you join us in this adventure as we ground ourselves in the message of Jesus and propel ourselves into the promise of peace for the days and times we are living in. For now, for Christmas, for the New Year, let us all, “Hear the Savior Calling.”