The One World Trade Center in downtown Manhattan, NY replaces the Twin Towers that were demolished on September 11, 2001, when terrorist hijacked and flew commercial airliners into them as a part of their attack on America.
The foundation of the new structure that is 1776 feet tall in honor of the Declaration of Independence and now stands as the Tallest Building in the USA and 7th tallest in the world is a marvel in and of itself. The foundation covers 500,000 sq. feet, It is built to support 48,000 tons of steel, 3.5 million sq. feet of tower and all the material it takes to enclose the structure. Footings for the foundation go 200 feet below street level and support 70-ton shafts of steel.
Architects and engineers who design buildings like that know the importance of a good foundation. The foundation of a building has three essential functions: bear the load of the building, anchor it against natural forces such as earthquakes and isolate it from ground moisture.
Just as a strong foundation is essential to the stability and safety of One World Trade Center or any building, so is a strong spiritual foundation necessary for our lives. In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, the Apostle Paul illustrates the value of having a strong spiritual foundation, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
As we celebrate Advent during December we are reminded of the spiritual foundation that our Heavenly Father has provided for “all who will believe”. The Apostle Paul said, “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 3:11).There are illustrations about the difference of a house built on sand verses one built on rock (Luke 6:47-49). There are warnings like Psalm 11:3, “If the foundations are destroyed what can the righteous do?”
As we light the Advent Candles each Sunday and The Christ Candle on Christmas Eve, we are reminded of the blessings we have in Jesus Christ who is the foundation of our faith. The pillars (steel shafts) of our faith in Christ are HOPE, PEACE, JOY & LOVE. All of the spiritual attributes of our lives are built around these spiritual gifts.
Jesus, our spiritual foundation said, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24
In His Love,
Charles
