MERRY CHRISTMAS

If we humbled ourselves enough to listen, what would we hear? Would we hear singing?

“On Christmas night all Christians sing,

To hear the news the angels bring;

News of great joy, news of great mirth,

News of our merciful King's birth.

When sin departs before Thy grace,

Then life and health come in its place;

Angels and men with joy may sing,

All for to see the newborn King.

From out of darkness we have light,

Which made the angels sing the night;

Glory to God and peace to men,

Now and for evermore Amen.”

What do you hear? I hear mercy. I hear peace. I hear glory and grace. That is the good news of great joy that is for all people. For each of us. For every one of us. That is what Jesus coming to Earth is all about… not coming to save us because of who we are or what we’ve done. Not coming because we are so amazingly humble and wonderful and selfless people. Jesus came because of who He is… full of mercy… full of grace. That is the excellent news... news that in our world of celebrity and self-focus that is sometimes challenging to comprehend.

So on this day, embrace those who are dear to you. Know you are loved. You are loved by someone greater even when life is hard – perhaps especially when life is hard. That’s the essence of mercy and grace.

As for me, well, today I will be singing...

"Hark," begins my favorite carol. There's a reason those angels sing...

AR