Luk 3:21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

Luk 3:22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

God's calls His people from death to life, darkness to light with an effectual, spiritual call of grace. He calls us to conviction for sin, conversion through faith, conformity to Christ and completion in glory. God calls and His people are 'the called in Jesus Christ'.

Luk 2:46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

Luk 2:47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

Luk 2:48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

Luk 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

Luk 2:50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

We speak often of the Lord's love for His people, rightly so. It is the most wonderful, gracious mercy upon the face of this earth. However, today I want to briefly mention our love for the Lord. I hope to show you that it is wonderful, too.

Luk 2:39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

Luk 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

Our God and Father has promised to do His people good and bring us to glory. All that we see around us, all that we experience, endure and enjoy is for our spiritual good and eternal glory.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is all-wise, all-knowing and all-powerful. To Him, Jude says, is due all glory and majesty, dominion and power. Such is the sovereign God we worship and the Saviour in whom we trust. He is able to keep us from falling, keep us holy, keep us fit for glory and keep us happy. He is the great Amen!

Luk 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Luk 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luk 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Luk 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Luk 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Jude wishes to encourage the Lord's people in the gospel of God's grace and the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is this mercy that will bring all Christ's redeemed people to heavenly glory. He also instructs us to act with compassion to those around us while being ready to rebuke those who deal deceitfully with the gospel of grace.