1 John 5: 5-13 
“I write these things to you so that you may know
that you have eternal life,
you who believe in the name of the Son of God.” 

Luke 5:12-16 
It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said,
“Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” 
Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said,
“I do will it.  Be made clean.” 

And the leprosy left him immediately……. 

As I reflect on today’s readingx in both 1 John 5: 5-13 and Luke 5:12-16, the words faith, awareness and gifts emerge.  In the gospel of Luke, the leper had faith in Jesus and his healing power. I am too grateful for my faith. My faith in God, humanity, and awareness. 

The gift of faith and awareness allows me to recognize God’s daily presence in my life. These gifts open my eyes and heart to recognize how God has placed others in my path to love, nourish and support me throughout my life.   I am grateful. 

In a cyclical fashion these gifts strengthen my belief in God. I believe God is with me, God cares for me, God loves me, and God provides for me. How do I know?

I see God in my family, friends, and colleagues. I see God in the gift of community provided within my religious and spiritual organizations, at work, on vacation, during leisure time.  I see God everywhere in nature. I see God in all the beautiful creatures created for this world.  

This past week, my children and grandchildren went to the zoo to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. On this day in Omaha, Nebraska, the sun was out, it was bright and semi warm (45 degrees F).  We walked, talked, laughed, enjoyed time together and were amazed at God’s beautiful creatures. God was with us.

In the evening time, my family gathered around the table to eat, play games, and enjoy this special time together.  God was with us.  

As the Christmas season ends, I pray to continue recognizing God’s gifts and to be renewed in my faith. I welcome the invitation to use my humanity and gifts the way God intended and to be grateful for the opportunity for eternal life.