Giving and Receiving Grace
by Amanda Slyper
For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:1
And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
2 Corinthians 4:15
The concept of ‘giving grace’ has been ringing true in my mind for the past week, as holiday preparations ramp up and the to-do list continues to grow. Decorate the house, fix the lights, get my work done so I can enjoy time with family even more, wrap presents, gather toys and clothes for donations, take kids to PTA fundraiser, clean the fish tank, don’t forget to sign off on your kid’s daily progress report, send out holiday cards, fit in some time for yourself somewhere, etc. etc. etc.
Like, woah. Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to do all of these things? It occurred to me that perhaps I should take a page from the playbook of life’s greatest coach, the REASON we celebrate. The One who gave so much grace and forgiveness, and compassion to those in need, those who simply had faith. So what if the cards go out late, if the dinner menu is still changing on Christmas morning.? So what if the plants don’t get watered today and there are a few lights missing in the display? So what if the stockings are a little less full than previous years because you forgot about them until the 24th? Jesus is born! He fills our cups every day with goodness and grace. So why don’t we all just give ourselves a break and allow his love to wash over us, allow Him to make all things right, and praise God for loving us more than we could ever imagine? Right!? Let us give ourselves grace just as we give to others, as He gives to us each and every day.
A simple poem on Grace:
No room in the Inn, just a stable,
Mary and Joseph, will they be able,
To give him what he needs?
Shepards watch their sheep by night,
Startled by a shining light,
They wonder what they’ll see.
A message for them, the angels bring,
Glory to the newborn king!
His son, our Savior foreseen.
Jesus is his given name,
Father, Son, Holy Spirit the same,
A miracle, indeed.
Precious babe on a bed of straw,
Three wise kings came from afar,
To celebrate and to see,
The greatest gift the world will know.
Praise Him from all ye blessings flow!
He came to set us free.
From child, to man, he learns and grows,
Through life and even death, he shows,
That Grace is all we need.
Forgiveness, healing, and true love,
Blessed forever from above.
Through faith, we all will be
Filled with our own joy to share,
Pass it forward to all, everywhere,
His Grace is all we need.
Grace, the Lord God gave us,
A son on earth, to save us,
His Grace is all we need.
Looking for previous entries?
Find our ’22 Advent devotional archive online. haymarketchurch.org/advent
