Listen

No one has gone up to heaven except the one who came down from heaven, the Human One. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so must the Human One be lifted up so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life. God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

John 3:13-17

Think

I prefer the original Frozen movie to the sequel. In particular, I am enchanted by the goofy, lovable snowman, Olaf (voiced by the hilarious Josh Gad). His music and general hijinks are a treat to watch, especially with children, whose laughter is unselfconscious and contagious.

In my more reflective moments, I experience Olaf as a sage and thoughtful example for all of us who choose to follow Christ.

Olaf leads with his heart and chooses love and connection above all other things, even his own life… “Some people are worth melting for.” “An act of true love will thaw a frozen heart.” “Love is putting someone else’s needs before yours.”

These are words to live by… the words from a snowman with a heart of gold… and a message that sits at the very heart of the One who gave his life that we might have life, abundant and eternal. A life given in love, for love, by love.

Sarah McCaslin

Pray

In my best moments, God, remind me that my greatest calling is to the care of others with a selfless and loving heart. And in my lowest moments, God, grant me the wisdom to recognize the selfless and loving heart of your child, who gave to us in his life and ministry, gives to us in his felt presence, and will give to us forevermore. Amen.

Go

God’s one-of-a-kind job description is that God actually uses our problems to lead us to the full solution. God is the perfect Recycler, and in the economy of grace, nothing is wasted, not even our worst sins and our most stupid mistakes.

Richard Rohr in A Lever and a Place to Stand (2012)