We
are now at peace with God, peace that surpasses all our understanding,
for we can never fully understand the mystery of God assuming flesh, becoming
sin for us, and dying to redeem us from the curse of our sin. We can only rejoice
in the Lord that He has done so because of His grace and mercy.
Jesus is for those who feel
weak. They look at their lives and see failure. Their sins rise up against them
in a flood of accusations. Jesus comes for people whose faith is battered and
weak. He comes for those who want to enjoy Christmas cheer and join in the
holiday celebrations, but often feel less than joyous this time of year, so
they feel back about that, too, wondering is Scrooge wasn’t right after all.
To these people comes the
Child of Bethlehem. He gives them what they need. He is not content to make
them “feel” good. Soothing words are not His to give. Sentimental tripe never comes
from His lips. For He is a real Savior who saves real sinner. He didn’t come
into this world to be cute and adored. He came to us to be abandoned. He was
born to die, not a noble death applauded by the religious, but a death of
loneliness engulfed in scorn and shame. And that miserable death saved us. For
it was our sin which He took away. The reason for our rejoicing is that we focus
our rejoicing in our Savior the Lord Jesus.
A prayer of praise and
supplication: Lord God, creator
of heaven and earth, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we praise You for the
abundant mercy that You this day so richly have provided for us, blessing us
not only with daily bread for our bodies but also with heavenly food for our
souls. Grant that Your living and powerful Word may abide in our hearts,
working mightily in us to Your glory and for our salvation. We commit ourselves
to Your divine protection and fatherly care. Let Your holy angels be with us
that the evil foe may have no power over us. Look in mercy on Your Church and
deliver it from all danger and adversities. By Your Holy Spirit comfort and
strengthen all who are in affliction or distress, and grant Your abiding peace
to us all; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen. [2]-09
December 2021-
[1] Advent, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2] Collect of praise and supplication, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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