Advent Devotional, December 12

Psalm 32:1-5

 

"Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
    whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the Lord

imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit."

                                                                     (Psalm 32:1-2)

 

Guilt is a heavy burden we humans carry.  The late American humorist, Erma Bombeck spoke of guilt as the gift that keeps on giving.  We are wounded by guilt, not just in the moment or immediate aftermath of some failure on our part, but we can also become captive to its destruction months, even years down the road.  Perhaps that is why the Psalmist speaks of happiness in response to the act of forgiveness...to be set free by grace in any form is truly a liberating experience.

 

Of all the things that Christmas has become in this twenty-first century, nothing rivals the great good news that the Creator of the world has offered the gift of forgiveness through the birth of Jesus.  While we chase after and are distracted by the sights and sounds and smells and tastes of our various celebrations, let us not forget that true joy is found in the blessing of forgiveness...the covering of sin...release from the heavy burden of guilt.

 

Prayer: God of grace, who covers our sin through the gift of the Christ child, we rejoice in sins forgiven and burdens released. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy