Four Words

Hope

He came, a tiny babe, wrapping His godliness in a form that we could recognize. Flesh and humanity, like us, yet not. Completely Man and still Completely God. Miraculous.

              

                                         

Mercy

He came, as Light, into our darkness, into our empty void, while we were so depraved, undeserving. He knew our sin, our selfish ways, and yet He came. He knew all that He would face, and still He came down to us. Amazing.

But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, 

Christ died for us. Rm. 5:8.

The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and “shadow of death” on them a light has dawned. Mt. 4:16.

Grace

He came as love, into our world of need. He knew rejection and hunger and cold. He knew His Father would have to turn away from Him as He took our sins upon Himself, and still He chose us. He knew death on our behalf. Compassion. 

For by grace are you saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. Eph. 2:8.

 

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people. Ti. 2:11.

 

Glory

He knew as He stretched out the nail-torn hands, reaching out to save us from ourselves, that He would seal us in His hands forever, and hold us safely there through all eternity. He knew if we believe in Him that we will rest with Him in splendor on heavenly shores. He knew He would return for us one day as He laid His life aside for redemption’s sake. He knew who will choose Him and those who will reject His Gift. Power.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Eph. 2:4-7.

As we celebrate this year, we must remember the Truth of Christmas: Jesus. He came as Hope to save. He gives us Mercy even though we are undeserving. He extends His Grace to all who will believe. And He deserves all Glory. 

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace… Lk 2:14.

Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power,  Rv. 4:11.

 

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Ps. 19:1.