The Note
Larry Leming
Missions Ministries Director
By far, Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. The lights and beautiful decorations, the Christmas trees, the music and the giving spirits of most everyone you meet are just a few of the things I enjoy about this season. One of the other things I truly enjoy this time of year is…..the Hallmark Channel. Yes, I will admit it, I am addicted to Hallmark movies during the holidays. The “feel good”, “happy ending” movies are just the type of movies I like to watch.
This year, however, one certain movie has touched me in a different way than just the normal good feelings from the happy endings. The new Hallmark movie called “The Note” and the message from that movie is one that I hope we all can apply to our lives, not just at Christmas, but each and every day. The movie begins with a plane crash right off the coast of a small town. Not long after, a struggling newspaper columnist is jogging by the water near the crash site and finds a sealed baggie containing a handwritten note. It is determined that the note indeed came from a passenger, written in the final moments before the crash. There is only an initial, rather than a name, at the beginning of the note and it is simply signed “dad”. The columnist begins a journey to find out who the note belongs to and to give it to them.
Along the way, the reporter finds several people whom she thinks the note is intended for. And even though they are not the right person, the simple message of this note brings about change in their lives. The reporter also finds that along this journey, the note is bringing much needed change to her life as well. In the end, a young woman comes forward stating that she thinks the note is meant for her. It is determined that indeed the note was from her father and meant for her. She and her father had a huge argument before he boarded the plane, things were said that really weren’t meant and this young lady was dealing with the fact that she never got to say “I’m sorry”. The reporter gave the young lady the note which contained this simple message….Dear T, All is Forgiven…Love, Dad. In the final moments of life his last thoughts were of his love for his child and making sure she knew how he felt.
Dear friends, at this beautiful time of year, this movie has brought several observations to mind. Is there someone in your life that needs to know “All is forgiven”? What better time to let them know?!!! If you knew the end was coming quickly, what would you say to those you love? We may not have advanced warning when that time comes, so, don’t wait!!! Use this beautiful time of year to let those around you know what they mean in your life. And, finally, as we celebrate the birth of our savior and the love he showed for us, let our minds not be too far away from the rest of His story as well. The love that brought Him here, also led Him to the cross where He died and was resurrected to bring us the forgiveness of our sins, an abundant life here and eternal life with Him. How comforting to know that our Father was thinking of us as well. And down through history, we hear the words of his “note”… come, believe and all will be forgiven!!! God bless you all and may you and your family experience the best Christmas ever!!!!!!
Serving together,
Larry
