Glorious Grace

Scripture Readings: 

Luke 1:46-49

And Mary said: My soul praises the greatness of the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 because he has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy.

Luke 2:13-14

Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!

Ephesians 1:3-6

Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him. 5 He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.

Commentary: 

Glorious Grace (Dallas White)

What is your favorite part of the Christmas season? Some live for the lights, others the gifts, still others simply enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. We all experience Christmas in different ways. So it was with the very first Christmas. 

Consider all who were involved: the relatives to whom it first became clear that a Messiah was coming soon; the young virgin woman who was betrothed to be married; the faithful young man who committed to care well for a son he did not father; the lowly shepherds; the prestigious astronomers who followed a star to the stable…all experienced that first Christmas in a unique way, and yet, they all shared the same response: joyful worship! 

So it is with all who encounter the glorious grace of the Father through His Son Christ Jesus! Having adopted us into His family, our Father now lavishes upon us the gifts of His grace. Grace upon grace! And any authentic encounter with this grace will always guide us into joyful worship of our glorious God.

Prayer & Reflection: 

Father, no thing or no one is more worthy of my worship than you! Having experienced your glorious grace I want to lead my life as a living sacrifice for for you, holy and pure, pointing all of my attentions and affections towards you. As often as you see fit, flood my heart and mind with your glorious grace that I might respond with worship and rejoicing!