December 22: Read Psalm 32:1-2 NLT
One of my favorite Christmas memories was when the family gathered at my grandparent’s crowded house. There were not enough beds (sound familiar?) so some of us young people had to sleep on pallets on the floor while a few lucky ones slept on couches. My brother and I slept on one of the pallets in the same room where the Christmas Tree was located. Our cousin, Mark, slept in the same room, but was lucky enough to snag the couch.
My brother and I decided Mark was destined to become a cop because of his determination that night to see Santa laying out the presents under the tree while using a flashlight he brought with him. (By the way, Mark would eventually become a policeman and served with distinction on S.W.A.T. in Houston, Texas.)
After the lights went out in the room, Mark used his trusty flashlight hoping to reveal Santa in the act, to no avail. This went on for several minutes. My brother warned Mark that if he did not stop turning the flashlight on Santa would not come. Mark continued turning it on and off until sleep overtook him.
The next morning proved priceless! My brother and I woke up first and laid on our pallet waiting for Mark to awaken to see his reaction. When Mark’s eyes opened, he beheld possibly the worst sight imaginable- no gifts from Santa were under the tree! The look on his face was unforgettable. It seemed to scream, “I have kept Santa away. I have ruined Christmas for everyone and how can I face the family?!”
My brother and I did everything we could not to laugh, for in the adjoining room in chairs were the kids gifts neatly organized by “Santa.” When Mark discovered the chairs, he smiled in relief.
Read again Psalm 32:1-2. That was Mark’s journey that morning: joy, forgiveness, cleared of guilt, and redemption. His relief was evident. That is all our Christmas journeys as well. Jesus is here, offering forgiveness and joy to all who embark on a journey of faith and obedience to him. We can find relief from our sins through the babe of Christmas.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you!
Reflection Questions
Forgiveness is freely given because of what Jesus did for us on the cross and we can experience FREEDOM!
What sin do you need to give to Jesus so that it can be buried, and you can be raised to life in freedom?
