Grace Revealed
…This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus…2 Timothy 1:9-10 (NIV)
I love being a wordsmith! When I find a phrase or unique words that catch my attention, it stirs a desire to share. Along with Cynthia Ruchti, (Mornings with Jesus), I initially would not have pulled this word into the Advent season. Building our faith happens when we stretch to new heights. She has done a fantastic job!
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During this Christmas season, one word has landed on my heart and become the theme of my preparation and celebrating. It’s not what you’d expect. I’ve never seen it on ornaments, Christmas napkins, or wreath banners. It’s not joy, hope, noel, or peace, which are all good words, but not the one I’m focused on this year.
It’s grace. The Bible states that grace was given, promised to us, before the beginning of time. Imagine! When Jesus stepped into the world as a babe in Bethlehem to live among us and ultimately prepare for His earth ministry, His sacrificial death, and His miraculous resurrection, the promise was finally realized. Jesus equals grace revealed.
The world hadn’t merely been waiting for hundreds or thousands of years. It had been waiting before the beginning of time. How long had God the Father been planning for Christ’s birth? Since before the concept of time existed! And not just for the birth of a holy Child, a Messiah, but the revelation of grace itself.
Doesn’t that put an awe-inspiring spin on a season that is already utterly resplendent with joy, peace, and hope? What we celebrate with bells and lights and candlelight services and songs and gifts is a long-awaited, unmatched grace named Jesus. His grace saves us, keeps us, and changes everything.
Christmas, for a Jesus follower, is even more thanksgiving-y than the holiday we call Thanksgiving. After all, what would warrant more gratitude and thanksgiving than grace?
FAITH STEP: Among your Christmas decorations this year, find a spot for the truth:
Christmas = Grace Revealed
Father, thank You for fresh, new concepts! Please open our eyes and hearts to capture more of You this season and every day. AMEN.