“From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” John 1:16
Lord Jesus, this is a priceless, essential reality—“grace upon grace.” I love that John used this phrase in his unique telling of the Christmas story (john 1:1-18). You—the eternal Word, full of grace and truth, took on our “flesh” that we might be made like you (1Jn.3:1-3). That’s why knowing you is a journey requiring grace, grace, and more grace.
Our need for ample grace gets highlighted during the holiday season. Old wounds get triggered. Brokenness gets neon-lighted. Messy relationships seem messier. Siblings can act their “sibling-iest” Personal agendas and pity parties wage war against each other. Loneliness feels its loneliest. Why is this so?
First of all, you created us for loving relationships—with yourself and each other. But sin “mucked” it all up. Now we often act like porcupines cuddling on a cold winter night We move towards each other for warmth. But we hurt and get hurt by each other’s “quills.” Then we withdraw, get lonely, then try again.
But, hallelujah, we didn’t invent this cycle of hurt upon hurt, requiring grace upon grace. Jesus, the world into which you were born was filled with madness and sadness, self-interest and self-indulgence, Thank you for coming to make your blessings flow (not drip), “far as the curse is found.” Thank you for being the Lamb who takes away our sin—not the self-help coach shaming us into “do more, try harder.”
Jesus, may Christmas 2023 be a bit different. Shock and bless us with your calming, healing, liberating presence. Sweeten the bitter waters of our brokenness with the new wine of your Kingdom. Free each of us to be the first to offer your welcome, forgiveness, and kindness—irrespective of the response we get. Indeed grant us copious grace that we might be copiously loving. So Very Amen