Christmas is the Kindness of the King

“But when the kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” – Titus 3:4-7

But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, He saved us from all our sinfulness.  It was all His doing; we had nothing to do with it.  He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit.  Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously.  God’s gift has restored our relationship with Him and given back our lives.” – (The Message)

image by Progressive Christianity.org

When kindness and mercy

were mixed up, combined,

the Savior soon sent,

granted grace to refine.

Sent as an infant,

vulnerable and meek,

to model a heart path,

for us to follow, to seek.

Baby Jesus did come,

but what matters most,

is how He taught, lived and died,

rose and sent us His Heavenly Host.

By the Spirit He sent,

He washes all our sin,

removes every stain,

allows us new start, again.

The present He poured out,

all those years ago,

made heaven our hope,

so our hearts might come to know.

Through the cleansing, the washing,

His redemption received,

found is grace and forgiveness,

to all who believe.

Open your hearts,

in this most wonderful season,

extend Him your hands,

let His love be the reason.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your kindness and mercy that give us opportunity for new life in You.  Thank You for the precious gift of Your Son, Jesus, who came as an infant, grew, lived and led a blameless life, was crucified on the cross, rose from the grave, and returned to His rightful throne beside You.  Thank You that upon His return, Your Spirit was sent to dwell in us, so that we would have a counselor and covering, to lead and guide us in Your goodness and grace.  Forgive us for not emphatically embracing this most marvelous gift that You have freely given.  Teach us to trust You, and lead us to allow Your love to overwhelm us, so that it turn, it overflows from us.  Use us as Your instruments to carry Your sweet scent to all who are ready to surrender and submit their hearts and lives to You, our Savior.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present