For in Him, all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. And through Him, to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, He has now reconciled in His body of flesh by His death in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before Him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven and of which I, Paul, became a minister. Colossians 1:19-23.

Oh gracious God. Although we deserve to suffer and die because we are sinners, you, in your good pleasure and mercy, have provided salvation for me. Long before the world was made, you knew that men would fall away into sin and misery. You resolved to help them. You resolved to send your son to make satisfaction for sins so that all those who are chosen in Christ, all who repent of their sins and turn to Christ should be saved. Oh Lord, I rejoice that this plan of mercy has been carried out. Christ has redeemed me. His gospel is sent to every kindred and tongue and people and nation. There is hope for every kind of sinner and your beloved son has promised that he will not cast out anyone who is willing to come to him. I praise you oh God for your unspeakable kindness. Amen. E. T. Winkler.