Psalm 32
“Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”
(Psalm 32:1)
When carrying a burden of wrong, there is nothing
more freeing than the gift of forgiveness…to know that the one you have hurt
reaches out to extend grace. I
appreciate the words of South African bishop, Desmond Tutu, who writes, “Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new
beginning.” Who among us has not wished for that new beginning in the aftermath
of something we have done to hurt another?
Christmas brings to the world an opportunity to make a new beginning. I’m not talking about the seasonal changes in
behavior that are packed away with the ornaments and lights once the holidays
are over. No, I am talking about
genuine, life-altering transformation that comes because God has cared enough
for a sinful human creation to give the gift of mercy and forgiveness through
Jesus, the Christ. The Psalmist was writing before the incarnation of Christ,
but he had caught a glimpse of God’s forgiveness and was changed by
it.
In this season of lights, pretty packages, and short-term good
will, receive anew the forgiveness of God through the gift of Bethlehem, then,
perhaps share that gift with someone around you whose burden could be made
lighter by your gift of forgiveness.
That may be the best gift you give this
Christmas.
Prayer: Gracious God, I
confess before you and ask that your forgiveness cover my sin. Give me courage to share this grace and mercy
with another. Amen.
Jim
Abernathy
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