The Giver of Grace
Written by Ruth Clemence
You don’t need me to tell you that Christmas is on its way. By now I am sure you have seen emails, flicked through adverts, glanced at decorations, overheard conversations about it, thought about your shift pattern over the holiday season, or maybe you are aware there is still so much to do to prepare – you really can’t face it.
Let’s just stop for a moment.
Are you pausing? Good.
Reflect upon this amazing truth: the greatest gift you could receive has already come to you in Christ Jesus.
The gospel – the glorious good news of a Saviour born to us – who came to die in our place for our sin, who loves us more than we can imagine, who will keep us to the end – this is the ultimate gift to us bestowed by the Giver of all. Our gracious, glorious God. It is all grace.
This Christmas, we can pause and remind ourselves that God has lavished us with this beautiful gift of grace. Grace appeared to us in the flesh in Christ. Grace is undeserved, yet freely given to us. It is by grace that we have been saved – through faith. This is not from ourselves but is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). We can do nothing but simply receive the Lord’s love and grace for us. If we know how to give good gifts, how much more does our heavenly Father’s gift to us surpass our own gift giving?
Christmas is a time to reflect upon the coming of Christ into our world as a baby. Immanuel, God with us. It is also a time to look forward to his second coming in glory. As we are looking both backward and forward at Jesus, it is worth remembering the gift of His grace to us for the present moment.
There is grace for you, my friend.
So, have you come to Jesus today? If you are struggling, come to Jesus and rest in Him. If you are weary, come to Jesus and be refreshed for he cares for you. If you are anxious, bring that to him in prayer and his peace will surpass all understanding. If you are anticipating the coming weeks with fear, remember that God will be with you wherever you go. If you are feeling joyful at the festivities, think upon the joy of the Lord, which is your strength and sure salvation. He has his gaze upon you and delights in you.
Grace is what we all need this season and every moment. As you serve those in your care, may you know that Christ cares for you. His grace is sufficient. He will carry you and uphold you. Hallelujah – what a Saviour!