Looks like it's been awhile. Maybe I ought to post something, so here it is.

 Amazing Generosity

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.  (John 1:14)

Christmas is a great celebration of God’s generosity! Jesus as the “Word made flesh” freely enters into the messiness of human existence in order to immerse us in God’s grace – God’s favor – that is, God’s generosity! Our lives now can be filled with hope, peace, joy, and love because Christ Jesus was willing to be born in humble circumstances, reveal in his life the goodness of the Father, suffer mistreatment, and then die for us on the cross. That is the incredible generosity of God poured into our lives and overflowing like a renewing river into the wilderness of this tormented and tormenting world.

We who experience God and God’s goodness are called to share freely with others not only the Good News of God becoming human like us, but to be generous with ourselves and others. This means supporting people as they face difficult struggles, encouraging others in living to their fullest, and, of course, being patient and forgiving to those who have wronged us. This in no way means excusing sinfulness in ourselves and others, for God also is holy and will judge all evil. But it does mean that we always are ready to point people to the Christ who knows the weaknesses we all wrestle with, and that in Christ God always is eager to restore and heal anyone who will turn to God and receive God’s amazing grace – for God is a generous God.

So this Christmas season, take a moment every know and then to think about how generous God is to us – how blessed it is to live each day knowing firsthand the goodness of God in Christ Jesus. Let’s not take such a hope filled truth for granted, as we share freely with others the generosity we have received. After all, this is the reason we give gifts at Christmas. It is a reflection of the greatest gift given to all who will receive it – Emmanuel – God with us!

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.  John 1:12

  

In Christ’s Peace!