Comfortable Words

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Yesterday in church I was struck by the "comfortable words" that are part of Holy Eucharist (1962) in the Book of Alternative Services of the Anglican Church of Canada (pages 238-239).  As the deacon said "Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all that truly turn to him", my ears perked up.  And as I listened, I was struck with why these are comfortable words... because we have great needs that God meets - to have a place of rest, to know we are loved, and to be forgiven for our sins. It is when we acknowledge our need that we can then receive the amazing gifts of God.

So, hear these words and may they be your comfort.

Hear what Jesus says:

"Come to me all that labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you."  Matthew 11:28

"God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

Hear also what Saint Paul says:

"This is a true saying, and worthy of all to be received, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."  1 Timothy 1:15

Hear also what Saint John says:

"If anyone sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."  1 John 2:1,2

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