It is an exciting time in the church--a time of standing up and confessing the faith. It makes one feel spiritually faithful, as silence is replaced with expression of belief. It makes one commit anew to ministry, as priorities are set and the smile of God is seen. It makes one strong and bold, as the vision of thousands who have not bowed the knee to Baal comes into focus. It makes one to bow the knee in the right direction, as God is seen more clearly than before.

Christ . . . the Scriptures . . . holy living. That's the ticket! It makes one want to sing "How Firm a Foundation" from the very tips of our toes.

This exciting time of confessing is only the beginning. The power and priority of confession in the church must soon lead to a discussion of the limitation of confession as the throng cries out "Lord, Lord." Confessing the faith and any other good and godly work must always be seen in a broader context of knowing and loving God with our whole being. Confessing the faith is a means to an end of bringing glory to God. Confessing the faith becomes the launching pad from which we are propelled into the world with the message we confess.

This time of year offers a unique opportunity for confession of our faith
The Advent season that leads us into the new year allows the church a unique time to confess the faith and be broadened in that confession.

• "For unto us a child is born unto us a son is given."
• "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us."
• "His name shall be called Jesus for he will save his people from their sins."
• "When the fullness of time came, God sent forth his son, born of a woman."
• "I believe…in Jesus Christ…who was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary.

Let us also remember to confess Jesus: God made embryo among us
Max Lucado writes in his book, God Came Near:

Christ between conception and birth. Is this a truth we confess? How far does the incarnation go? How did his flesh begin? When was he given the name Jesus? How was he sent forth? And what does this mean for the church and the world?

Confessing Christ, the Scriptures, and holy living is causing the earth to move under our feet. May it also cause the church to move in a confession that embraces all of life experienced by Christ, taught in the Scriptures, and expressed by holy living.

• John 1:14,18