Hello ,
I'm no fan of Santa Claus, but the following story is illustrative of a larger theme:
In 1913, the Post Office allowed children to send letters to Santa — and for the first time, many families began receiving unexpected gifts from strangers who responded to the letters. Children who had
nothing suddenly received toys, clothes, food, or shoes from people they would never know.
Those gifts weren’t earned. They weren’t deserved. They were simply given.
That’s what grace looks
like.
Paul writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God, not of works” (Ephesians 2:8–9). Salvation is not a reward for righteous behavior; it is a gift for broken people who could never fix themselves.
Christmas is proof that God does not give according to merit — He gives according to mercy.
We often approach God as if we need to clean ourselves up before drawing near, as if salvation is for those who almost get it right. But Jesus was born in a stable — a place that smelled like animals, not incense —
to show us that God steps willingly into the mess.
- He came for sinners, not the polished.
- He came for the lost, not the impressive.
- He came for the hurting, not the holy-looking.
The manger whispers what the cross will shout: you cannot earn God’s love — you can only receive it.
This Christmas, let grace undo you. Let it wash away the lie that you’re too far gone, too flawed, too inconsistent, or too broken. The Gift of Salvation is not fragile, temporary, or
conditional. It is strong enough to carry your past and bright enough to rewrite your future.
Jesus came so that every barrier between you and God could be removed — not by your effort, but by His sacrifice.
The gift He offers today is the same gift offered in Bethlehem: Himself.
Today's Musical Selection: O' Little Town of
Bethlehem
Have a great day and God bless!
Pastor Mike / The Open Word
