“Perhaps the most elusive element in a person’s spiritual life is the conviction that he or she is loved, and loved unconditionally, by God. We daily meet temptations against this truth. Some come from within ourselves, while others find their source in the values of society.” (Free to Pray, Free to Love, Max Oliva, S. J.; p. 13).

So many times in our journey we want things to be a “quick fix.”

We wish there were an easy solution to life’s problems . . . whether it is our own fears, negative situations we face, or we are seeking peace amidst life’s chaos.

We wonder, “God, where are you?”

We also wonder, “God, why? Why me? Why this? Why now?”

Sometimes our questions cause us to move to the question, “Is there a God? If there was a God, then why this?”

One of the most fundamental aspects of our (United Methodist) understandings of God is that we are given freedom . . . freedom to choose which path we take, also known as free will.

The freedom comes to us as a gift from God, a gift of Love.

Being mere puppets would not be a life of Love as it would all be dictated from day one. The power of being in a relationship with God is in part so powerful because we make the conscious choice to be IN LOVE with Divine Love.

For this message series there are parallels between Star Wars and our faith, there is freedom in The Force. This freedom is a freedom to choose between good and bad, darkness and light. The freedom to choose Love.

It is because we have this freedom that we are able to have a living, dynamic relationship with God. We can connect to the power of the Holy Spirit (The Force) that lives in each of us. Upon making that connection, we will find that limitless power that helps us address every step, regardless of how miniscule, in our lives.

One of the phrases throughout the movies is, “Feel The Force.”

Today, and everyday, as we move toward the celebration of The Way (Jesus) that came to show us the way to God’s self, may we seek to truly “FEEL The Force”.

“In its deepest nature and meaning our universe is a community of boundless and totally competent love.” (The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life in God, Dallas Willard; p. 11).

That boundless love is there for each and every one of us to connect with and into. It is ours for the taking . . .

Today, may you consciously begin feeling the love of God in and through all things as we journey to the manger of Bethlehem.  

“Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning, for in you I put my trust.” (Psalm 143:8a).

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