The Gift of God's Grace Keeps Coming

When does Christmas end for you? December 26? The New Year? Whenever it ends, how much of Christmas do you put away? Is it just the decorations, or do you shelve Christmas in your heart for another 11 months?

God didn't stop giving once he sent his Son born in Bethlehem. On Monday (Jan. 6) the Western Church celebrated the Epiphany of our Lord—the visit of the Magi. They arrived in Bethlehem upwards of two years after Jesus was born. Can you imagine waiting all that time following the Star? Do you think that when they went home, they put Christmas away? Not a chance!

Yes, the Christmas trees, ornaments, and twinkling lights are put away. Yes, the gifts you received from loved ones may already be common or replaced. But realize that The Gift of God’s grace keeps coming. Just look at the gifts of the Magi. God our heavenly Father used them so he could keep giving his Gift of grace to the world. Those valuable gifts were how Joseph provided for his young-and-on-the-run family in Egypt. God our heavenly Father kept his Son safe so he could return to Israel, and grow up into the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world!

When sin and doubt weigh heavy on your heart, remember that the reality of Christmas never ends. When trouble and heartache press you down, remember that The Gift of God’s grace keeps coming because of Jesus’ life, sacrifice, and resurrection. The Gift of God’s grace cannot be replaced, he’s perfect in every way and gives the peace your heart so desperately desires. A blessed new year as you carry The Gift of Christmas in your heart every day.

Benjamin Enstad
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church
Sturgeon Bay (Valmy), WI