Puzzled about being born again?

This is an inspired story – that is to say that I did not sit down at the time with a purpose or intent for a lesson result. Years ago I worked in my Church with various youth groups. I would give out Christmas presents at that time of year to each individual in my group, one year the gift came in the form of this puzzle -

a challenge to assemble in two different ways, different number of pieces, both apparently complete. Gifts purchased and wrapped, I studied and rehearsed an extra puzzle in order to be able to show the group the solution. Working both ways, forward and back, over and over, with only a goal of memorizing the parts placement, a picture of an individual with a central piece missing came to my mind.

We are born as seemingly complete individuals, basic pieces in place but a key part missing. Mind, will, emotions and senses in the center. Family, friends, work and recreation will make up large portions of our lives. And the little various details that make us unique fill us out to our limitations. We will only have a fixed amount of time to live, we will be limited by physical attributes, mental capacity and desire. Our problem is we are born self centered and selfish, individuals stained by original sin.

Subtle geometry allows us to take this apparently filled puzzle and add a whole new piece within the same limits and get a visual of a new life, a life reborn. One day you may get the feeling that something is missing. One day you may overhear someone say they were born again. One day you may feel a need to be cleansed. Christ is calling. Empty yourself, make it your desire to start a new life with Jesus Christ at the center. Accept His gift of sacrifice.

Rebuild your life around Him, a Cross becomes the theme of the solution.

The parts that were born into sin are renewed and He sees the sin no more. You lose nothing, you gain an incredible inheritance as a part of His family.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.