This devotional is Day 16 of the 25-Day Advent Series “The Wonders of His Love.” Follow along with us as we grow in grace through the Christmas story by subscribing or bookmarking the home page above!
Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:15-17
–
One of the greatest miracles of Christmas is the powerful salvation that Christ offers us.
Jesus gives us an all-consuming mercy that has the power to make us new. He offers this as a gift every single day.
Each morning we are to wake up and receive this powerful present.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
This Christmas season, I am taking time to reflect on that mighty gift of mercy that came through the birth of a child.
I just love thinking about Mary holding the Almighty God in her arms. Did she know the immense patience and love He would soon display in His sacrifice for us sinners?
I am the worst of sinners and yet Jesus was born into this world to save me.
The Apostle Paul knows this truth in full: Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. – 1 Timothy 1:15
This miracle humbles me every time I think about it.
No matter where you are or what you’ve done, Christ was born into this world for you. No one is too far gone for Christ’s mercy. He has the power to redeem even the worst of sinners.
There is such weight and hope in reflecting on this truth for me. And this truth remains the same every single morning.
And this mercy was shown so that Christ can be displayed in me.
Sometimes we feel as thought we need to come to Christ when we are ready, healed, made new. But the miracle is that Christ mercy is for the ones who aren’t perfect.
Because when we experience Christ’s renewal in our broken state, His might can be displayed in us.
“But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:16
This Christmas season, I want to encourage you to take time to meditate on how Christ’s love and salvation is being manifested in your life.
Don’t run from sharing this hope because you feel less than, unworthy or not equipped. His mercy was given to you so that you can illuminate His love to others.
Christ loves you deeply. The miracle of His birth offers us total redemption. And because of this, we can live our lives in a way to show Him glory.
“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17
I am humbled by his all-consuming mercy and strengthened by His grace to go out and share His love and the miracle He did in my life with others.
Take time to reflect on this miracle of mercy. What hope does it offer you today, tomorrow, and forever?
–
About the Author
Nicole Kauffman is a wife, blogger and passionate follower of Christ. Her blog, Courage. Hope. Love. was founded to encourage, inspire and guide Christians to deeper hope and joy in the Lord.
Nicole lives in Pennsylvania with her God-seeking husband and family. She is an aspiring author who loves to grow relationships, mentor, and explore the beauty of God’s creation all around.
Leave a Reply