“She (Mary) will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matt. 1:21
“I tell you, her many sins (the woman who was weeping at Jesus’ feet) have been forgiven–as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Luke 7:47
Lord Jesus, first of all, thank you for coming into our world to save us from our sins. You are a great and gracious Savior. Because of your life, death, and resurrection, all of our sins are forgiven—the sins we’re painfully aware of, and the ones about which we remain clueless.
Sins of thought, word, and deed; sins in the past, today, and the future—in union with you, Lord Jesus, ALL of our sins are taken care of. We are that forgiven, and that loved. How do we ever forget, or disbelieve, this good news? Restore our awe, gratitude, and love for you; and (way more challenging) for others.
It’s a no-brainer, but a “full-heart-er,” the most profound Christmas gift we can give anyone this year is forgiveness. As we have been forgiven, so we are to forgive (Eph. 4:32). Lord Jesus, who have we yet to forgive? Who do we fear forgiving? Who are we resolved not to forgive?
We still have a week of “Christmas shopping” left. You paid the price for ours, other’s forgiveness too. May we be extravagant with the currency of your grace this year. Help. Us. Jesus. So very Amen we pray, in your most grace-full name.