I can call God many things. He is my friend. He is my comforter. He is the source of my joy when life tests my faith and patience. He is my protector. He is also my redeemer. I can’t say that I’ve always understood the full meaning behind the title of redeemer, but now that I’ve been enlightened, I must share my excitement!
To redeem means to compensate for the faults or bad aspects of something. When I read this definition I get mixed emotions. On one hand it is a reminder that we are filled with so many things that are not of God. Simply put, we are sinners.
On the flip side, the amazing thing is that we will forever be connected to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because His love covers our “faults and bad aspects.” I can’t help but feel loved with a dash of hope and peace because I know what it feels like to feel completely unworthy of God’s love. As such, I am thankful for many things this holiday season, but most of all, I am thankful for the gift of redemption.
Micah 5:2-5
“But you, Bethlehem Ephratha,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.”
Therefore Israel will be abandoned
until the time when she who is in labor bears a son,
and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites.
He will stand and shepherd his flock
in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
will reach to the ends of the earth.
And he will be our peace their peace.
Here it is, a precious baby filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit, would become our Savior and our redeemer. If that’s not worth celebrating, I don’t know what is.
Christmas Day will be here before we know it and we will wake up with a sense of excitement, even as adults. For those of us who are fortunate enough, gifts will be exchanged and our bellies will be full. Let us not forget to sincerely celebrate with our hearts that because of God’s love and magnificent power, we have not been forsaken. Let us not replace the significance of the day with our new pretty and shiny things. May we not forget to celebrate the prince of peace, love, and hope.
Throughout my walk with God I forgot to hold on to God’s gift of freedom. I can’t help but think that on Christmas morning many of us will put on fake smiles and go through the day masking what keeps us up at night. There is someone out there feeling like they are a lost cause. They are tired, their spirit is broken, and they struggle to pick themselves up from the floor. If this is you, I want to remind you that God’s love is greater than all of our sins combined. Better days are ahead and God has not forgotten about you.
Our inability to meet the mark of righteousness will never disqualify us for the gift that Jesus Christ has given us. During this holiday season it is my prayer and hope that we would find complete peace in knowing that Jesus is our biggest cheerleader in life. He has a plan for all of us and through Him all things are possible. Know that you are deeply loved. You are enough. You are beautiful. You have been redeemed.
Credit: Photo by Sarah Simon // Instagram: @themintgardener
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