“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (1Tim.1:15-17)
Lord Jesus, we are so grateful for the gift of another Christmas Eve. The next 24 hours invite us to fresh wonder, love, and praise as we reflect on the breathtaking, eternal-life-giving reality of your incarnation.
Every other king was first a baby, then a king. But you were first “the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God” before you became a baby in Mary’s womb and a Savior in our world. Indeed, other kings enter with fanfare and flash to impress. But you “came into the world to save sinners.” That’s what we need more than anything else—salvation as you define it, and alone are able to give it.
More than ever I treasure the Apostle Paul’s self-description as “the worst of sinners”—for I finally understand what he meant. What a healthy, free, “emotionally intelligent,” spiritually mature thing to be able to say. Paul didn’t waste time comparing his “badness” to everybody else’s.
On the contrary, he became more preoccupied with your beauty, goodness, and truth. As he did, Paul concluded that nobody needed your “immense patience,” daily mercies, and grace-upon-grace more than him; and therefore, no one was more grateful for it.
Me too, Jesus, me too. The more I see your loveliness, and the more I experience your lovingkindness… the more I see the greatness of my need and celebrate the much-greater-greatness of your provision. Jesus, hallelujah for the Gospel! Hallelujah for the riches of your grace. That’s all I need/want this or any Christmas. So Very Amen.