A PROMISED MERCY
J.S. Taylor
Today's Scripture: “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:35, ESV
Theme: This Christmas, how can we show mercy like our Father, God?
GOD AND SINNERS RECONCILED
We are likely all very familiar with the famous Christmas Carol, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” Personally, it’s long been a favorite of mine. Although much of the Christmas season has become increasingly secularized, we still hear this carol at Christmas: in stores and restaurants, on the radio, and sung by any number of artists on countless Christmas albums. It’s featured prominently at the end of popular shows such as “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
“Hark! The herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim
‘Christ is born in Bethlehem’
Hark! The herald angels sing
‘Glory to the new-born king’”
(Lyrics: Charles Wesley Music: Felix Mendelsohn)
It’s a splendid song. But have I ever given much thought to what it’s telling us? Well, yes and no.
In Hidden Christmas, Tim Keller provides additional insights to consider on the message of this hymn.
“Who is Jesus? He is ‘Everlasting Lord,’ who from ‘highest heaven’ comes down to be the ‘offspring of the virgin’s womb.’ What did he come to do? His mission is to see ‘God and sinners reconciled.’ How did he accomplish it? He ‘lays his glory by,’ that we may ‘no more may die.’ How can this life be ours? Through an inward, spiritual regeneration so radical that, as we have seen, it can be called ‘the second birth.’ With brilliant economy of style, the carol gives us a summary of the entire Christian teaching.”
So, God by His mercy, has provided His Son so that we“no more may die.” We can be reconciled.
MERCY AND GRACE
We often hear the terms “mercy” and “grace” used interchangeably. But while both are important tenets of Christianity, they are quite different. As defined, “mercy” is “the compassion and kindness shown to someone whom it is in one’s power to punish or harm.” “Grace” however is “courteous goodwill.” It is not asked for nor deserved but is freely given. It is a gift. God has chosen not to punish us, and He has given us the free gift of everlasting life, through His Son.
When I was a child, like many, Christmas was about what I was going to get. Gifts to others were a nice idea, but it really was about me. The built-up anticipation for Christmas morning was intense. I was very fortunate to be able to enjoy Christmas with an abundance of gifts, but, in large measure, I was unaware of what good fortune I had, and the mercy God had shown me.
A PART OF THE PLAN
“He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors” (Luke 1:54-55, NIV). In Luke, Mary’s Song reminds us that the coming of the Messiah, the Christ Child, was the fulfillment of the promise God made centuries before to Abraham. Despite the divide of time, God delivered on His promises as He always does: He was merciful. Likewise, how can I remember to be merciful in this season of Advent?
Making It Personal: What things can I do that are truly reflective of the love and mercy God has shown me?
• Exhibit Compassion: What things can I do to show compassion to others that are reflective of the character of God? How can I help those less fortunate than I am, or those that are suffering this Christmas season?
• Extend Forgiveness: God has forgiven me, but am I willing to forgive others? Am I willing to receive God’s forgiveness?
• Foster a Spirit of Grace: I’ve received many gifts from God, but can I provide that to others without a mindset of judgement? How can I be inclusive of all rather than exclusive?
Pray: Lord, I praise You for the mercy You have shown me through the birth of Christ that “we no more may die.” I confess that I do not always exhibit the kindness and love to others that reflects Your ever-loving kindness towards me. I am grateful for this Advent season where I am reminded of the fulfillment of Your promises to me. Help me to love others better: to show mercy, forgiveness, compassion, and grace as You have done for me.
Read: Luke 1:26-56
Weekly Memory Verse: “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 1 John 4:7-9 (NLT)