THE FATHER OF LIGHTS
In speaking of God the Father St. James wrote, “Every good gift and
every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights
with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (St. James
1:16) When St. James referred to lights he was apparently thinking of the
light bearing celestial bodies, i.e., the sun, moon and stars. God is
the Father or Creator of all of them. God said, “Let there be light
and there was light.” The Father soveriegnly rules over these lights
which He made by His almighty power.
These created lights change and fluctuate. The stars move in a
universe which scientists tell us is continually expanding. The moon goes
through its phases. Its light is not the same from one day to the next,
but continually goes through a thirty day cycle from greater to lesser
intensity. The sun casts shadows that constantly lengthen and shorten
and eventually we are engulfed in night. With all that change it is
strange that the pagans placed such power in these celestial bodies.
In contrast the Father of lights never changes. The light of the sun,
moon and stars continually fluctuates, but their Creator’s light remains
constant, shining without deviation or dimness. As St. James put it,“…with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” God’s
character is changeless. His truth is absolute. His justice is constant. His
grace is eternal.
From our heavenly Father we receive, “Every good gift and every perfect
gift….” Some Bible scholars have drawn a distinction between the“good gift” and the “perfect gift.” The good gifts have been interpreted
as these good things which are the results of God’s common grace. This
common grace is divine benevolence toward all mankind regardless of
their personal attitude toward or belief in God. As Christ said, “For he
makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the
just and on the unjust.” (St. Mt. 5:45) God is gracious to all His
creatures and every good in life comes ultimately from the Father. The so
called self-made man who thinks that he made it all on his own is
grossly mistaken.
But what about the “perfect gift”? The Greek word here translated “perfect” refers to that which has attained to its proper end or purpose.
Our proper end or purpose is stated in Genesis at the creation of the
human race. God said that He was creating us that we might bear His
image. That image has been severely marred by sin, but may be restored
through God’s saving grace. The perfect gift of God’s grace came to us
through the Father’s Son, Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer. Through
faith in Christ we are justified and granted peace with God. Through
divine grace we are adopted into the family of God and truly know God
as our Father. And as adopted children we have been made heirs of
eternal life and will have unending fellowship with God in the home Christ
has gone to prepare for us. Such gifts are indeed perfect.
As beneficiaries of the Father’s good and perfect gifts our hearts
should overflow with love, gratitude and praise. It was such heart felt
gratitude that inspired Charles Wesley to write, “Oh, for a thousand
tongues to sing My great Redeemer’s praise, The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!” May that ever be the song of our hearts.
by Rev. F. M. Levi
Parish News
St. Andrew’s Preschool held its graduation ceremony Thursday morning
May 22, 2008. We thank the Lord for another year of ministering to
children. Registrations for the 2008/2009 school year are now being taken.
If you know families who are looking for a good preschool have them
call (708) 614-7006.
The ladies of the Woman’s Guild had their annual Rummage & Bake Sale
Saturday, June 7, 2008. They wish to thank all those who donated items
for the sale.
Missionary of The Month
Rev. & Mrs. William Jerdan (Diane) and their children. Montpellier, France.
Choir
If anyone wishes to join the choir please call the church at: (708)
614-7404.
The choir will return from summer break Sunday, September 14, 2008. The
first rehearsal will be held on Friday, August 15, at 10:00 a.m., and
thereafter every Friday at 10:00 a.m.
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Happy Birthday!
July 5 – Susan Levi
July 7 – Gladys Muir
July 11 – Jennifer Domato
July 11 – Fran Chessman
July 11 – Vicky Elliott
July 21 – Sue Horosinski
July 25 – Veronica Elliott
July 28 – Sara Levi
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What A Wonderful Day
By Helen Kitchell Evans
What a wonderful holiday
Is the Fourth of July;
Calling all Americans
To heed the battle cry,
The battle for our planet,
For our fields of grain,
For our rivers and our trees,
For grasses on the plain.
The battle for the standards
Set by our Father up above;
The battle cry of freedom
For those who need His love.
Let us all remember those
Great men who’ve gone before;
Who signed our Declaration to
Let us be free forever more!
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