Title: God equips me for ministry. Therefore I can make a difference. – (call of the apostles)          
Two pairs of brothers were fishermen. Actually, their families owned fishing businesses. They had their own boats, nets, gear, and some employees. Simon (Peter) and Andrew, James and John were working close by on the Lake Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee) near Capernaum where Jesus had made his home. They were familiar with Jesus, having been followers of John the Baptist and having spent time with Jesus on at least one occasion. The would not likely have been public speakers, and perhaps not well educated. They certainly were not trained for study or service in the temple or synagogue. Even so, Jesus called them, based in part upon their previous curiosity, and commissioned them for ministry. Jesus calls each one of us who shows interest and desire to follow, and will equip us for the service that is needed in our community. God calls and equips you. You can make a difference.
​

Rejoice! Rejoice! The day is surely coming when all creation shall see the salvation of our God.
Why do we think that this is merely something for which we are to wait, as though God were doing this with no involvement from us? The Christmas Story reminds us that God enlisted Elizabeth and Zechariah, Mary and Joseph, Anna and Simeon, the Shepherds and Wise Men, to participate in bringing the Jubilee of God from heaven to earth. You are called to participate in this jubilee, and to share the invitation with others.

Scriptures
Isaiah 35:1-8
1 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus 2 it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. 3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you." 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6 then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; 7 the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. 8 A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray.
 
Ps 146:5-10
5 Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God, 6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith forever; 7 who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free; 8 the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. 9 The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin. 10 The Lord will reign forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord!