DEVOTION//Red Letter Day

A "Red Letter Day" is almost upon us.  Who doesn't look forward to getting a red envelope from that special someone on Valentine's Day?

Charlie Brown

The comic strip character Charlie Brown has always been a favorite of mine.  I think his creator did a great job of capturing the challenges and uncertainties of growing up. Charlie was always looking for a Valentine in a red envelope from "the little red-haired girl," his secret crush.  Maybe you can relate.

Red envelopes

Chinese culture finds red to be highly symbolic. In celebrating the Chinese New Year, the gift of a red envelope — often filled with money — is a popular gift.  It is a sign of good fortune.  The recipient knows that someone out there cares about them — like the person who sent that valentine we hope to receive. 

Jesus — God's love letter

The good news 316NOW shares with our friends in China is that God has sent us a love letter in his son Jesus.  The red blood of Jesus shows us how special we are to the God of the universe.  Consider these verses:

• God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

• The blood of Jesus Christ, his Son purifies us from all sin (1 John 1:7b).

• …God our Savior, who wants all to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth
  (1 Timothy 2:4).

• This is how God showed his love among us. He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:9-10).

Red Letter Day?

Will your mailbox be filled with red letters any time soon? I don't know. I do know the Lord has already sent his love to you in the form of Jesus. 

PRAYER:  Father, how it warms our hearts to know we are loved by you. Jesus is living proof of your love. May we treasure this amazing truth and always be ready to share it with others.