I Believe...

At Christmas time I often see the word BELIEVE embroidered on pillows, painted on ornaments, and as advertising on storefront windows. I hear stories telling us to believe in Christmas, wonder and in Santa and in magic. It is important to know what one believes. When I was a studying to become a teacher, I was told to write a statement of belief with regard to education. My statement evolved during my coursework and my career but there were elements of my educational beliefs that remained unchanged.

I think the same is true with my faith or belief in God. As a freshman in college, I was required to take a year of religion. We studied the Apostle's Creed. The Apostle's creed has become my statement of belief. As I learn more through bible study about God my beliefs are deepend, strengthened and enriched. I am changed as I study God's Word. So what is it that I believe...

I believe in God the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord:
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;
the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body
and the life everlasting. Amen