Moments With God.
Advent Week 4
LOVE
Wednesday, December 22
Please click the Jukebox to select music.
In my dual career of pastor and attorney, I often struggle with the issues of love and justice, grace and judgment. Often it seems as if wrongdoers escape punishment and the good live lives of defeat and defense.
The aftermath of the shootings at Columbine High School, a few miles from my house, has brought these concepts into stark contrast. As the families of victims and the victimized community has struggled to deal with this senseless loss, love and justice, grace and judgment have collided a number of times. From the placing of crosses to the planting of trees, the split has widened in our community.
And now Christmas is upon us. The last Christmas of the 20th century is fast approaching. Its near presence causes us to look back on its significance throughout the ages. It has signified the coming of the Christ child, the Redeemer of the world, the one who perfectly balances love and justice, grace and judgment. The powerful message of Christmas and the birth of Emmanuel is that in the midst of seemingly powerful evil and unrequited loss, God is with us. And he is the God spoken of in Isaiah 33:22: "For the Lord is our judge, our lawgiver, and our king. He will care for us and save us." In that thought, I find my rest.
Chuck Wilkes
Highlands Ranch, Colorado, USA
Father,
Thank You for the infinite righteousness of Your Son that could overcome the finite injustice of all mankind. We know that it is not our righteousness nor works for You that caused You to extend Your grace to us. It is Your love.
In ourselves we are not able to forgive the injustices extended toward us. When, by your grace, we forgive and extend that grace to another, it divides us from those who do not have that ability to forgive available to them.
May Your gift of love provide this missing part in the lives of those who have not received Your forgiveness. May You be glorified as we let our light shine by the good works You have given us to do.
Amen
[Psalms 93][Isaiah 33:17-22][Revelation 22:6-11,18-20]
[Luke 1:57-66]
or suggestions to Yvonne Edwards.
Edited: Dec 10, 7:15 p.m.
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