At Christmas, think about God’s grace
Most people know at least the outlines of the Christmas story, even those who discount its significance. Why should something that happened 2,000 years ago in a remote part of the world have anything to do with us today?
Yet when we strip away the commercial extravaganza, including the Black Friday sales that now begin before Thanksgiving, the hype and the lights, we see a watershed event.
Many of us are convinced that this watershed event — the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ — offers a new way for ordinary people to access God's grace. And what is God's grace?
Grace is receiving what we do not deserve, and not receiving what we do deserve.
Accessing God's grace does not require navigating hurdles or completing checklists. It is a free gift offered to everyone and accepted by those that believe. One can neither earn nor purchase this gift. For a sinner like me, this is a lifesaving message of hope.
Friends, this message is often expressed as “peace on earth and goodwill toward humankind.” Although you do not have to believe the Christmas story to embrace that sentiment, embracing it today makes our world a better place.
James Largay
Upper Saucon Township