Celebrating the Prince of Peace

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I know there are a lot of advent and Christmas devotionals out there (hopefully you’re already taking some time to go through one right now as Christmas approaches) that are far better written than anything I have to say.  But as I’ve been spending time in God’s word lately, preparing my heart for the true meaning of the season, some important pieces have struck me and I just wanted to share.  Maybe they’ll be an encouragement to your heart in this busy time of year as well. 
Ephesians 1:7-8 says, “In [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding.”  With all wisdom and understanding.  God knew exactly what He was getting Himself into when He sent His only perfect Son to earth in human form.  It wasn’t like Jesus got here, lived 30 or so years, decided to start a ministry, and then was like, “Wowza.  These people are super messed up!  Do I really want to serve them with all that I am and die to take away THEIR sins?”  He knew how people would mistreat Him.  He knew how generations and generations later, we would still be messing up.  A lot.  But He also knew that lives would be transformed because of the work He would accomplish on this earth.  So Jesus lived a hard human life, loving sinful people.  He kept His mind on the joy of His Father and the joy of salvation for all who believe and He endured the cross for us (Hebrews 12:2).  He knew every single sin and every individual sinner He was dying for on that cross and He did it anyway.  Can you think of any single act more full of love in all of human history?
As you go through this season of anticipation to celebrate the birth of Jesus, be encouraged that the same love and grace that came to earth on Christmas day over 2000 years ago is still available to us today.  In fact, it’s lavished on us, according to 1 John 3:1.  With all the crazy happening in our world and country and lives right now, I’m so grateful to celebrate the Prince of Peace this season.    

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