Pastor Ralph J. Mineo, St. Luke's Lutheran Church

"According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder, I laid a foundation. That foundation is Jesus Christ." Thus wrote Paul to the church in the ancient city of Corinth.

Paul was writing specifically about the church, but I think our individual lives are also like a building. Every good and lasting building needs a strong foundation. Christians believe that the foundation for living is Jesus Christ.

This doesn't mean that every Christian thinks alike, believes exactly the same things in every way, or prays and worships the same. We don't. But we DO believe that Christ Jesus is our foundation.

As individuals and as community churches, our expressions of our faith take on a different shape. This isn't something to be negative about. Rather we rejoice that, with the same foundation, we have a blessed diversity. With the same foundation we really and truly are united in the Kingdom of God. We not only accept our differences, we rejoice in them!

Many years ago a film called "Dead Poet's Society" made a Latin term rather popular: "Carpe Diem: which means "seize the day." This is a reminder to live life to the fullest. The best way to do that is to have Christ as our firm foundation, enjoying the blessings that God gives us day by day.

So I suggest that your take some time to enjoy the magnificent blessings of God. There is always something to enjoy in any given day, some wonderful gift of God.

A young child went into the hospital. The child's parent's fixed up a large surprise box, filled with lovely gifts, one to be opened each day. God does this for us. There are new surprises for us to discover daily.

St. Augustine once wrote, "People travel to wonder at the height of the mountains, at the huge waves of the seas, at the long course of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars, and yet they pass by themselves without wondering." The wonders and blessings of God are as close as the face in the mirror. So I also suggest that you look in the mirror and celebrate that wonderful gift of God -- YOU!

Finally, if your foundation isn't Jesus Christ, consider making Him your foundation. Talk to any pastor in this community for spiritual guidance. This Christmas Eve might just well be a great day to begin or continue such a journey! Carpe Diem -- seize the day! May God firm up your foundation in Christ Jesus in your celebration of Christmas this year!