Grace Is Why Jesus Came
Photo by Jon Carlson
Two thousand years ago, the God of Grace was born in a stable because there was no room for Him elsewhere. His grace-filled love changed our lives forever. We all have stories of how much His kindness has impacted us. This month, we have the privilege of celebrating His birth, loving Him in return and thanking Him for the beautiful grace He pours out on us every day of our lives.
Lately, this verse has been growing more and more meaningful to me:
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor. 12:9 NIV)
Everything begins and ends with God’s grace. Grace is why Jesus came to this earth—to show us His great love for us. Grace transforms us into people of hope, forgiveness, gratitude, unity, and faith—people who are becoming more like Jesus.
One of the things I love most about God is how He surprises us in unexpected places. He speaks through simple moments—movies, church services, conversations with family, everyday life situations, and even through strangers. Different seasons, places, and circumstances have a way of drawing us closer to Him if we are willing to listen.
I recently watched a movie with my mom that emphasized how churches are sometimes filled with people who attend on Sundays out of habit or think it will make them “good Christians,” but in their daily lives, they don’t live as true followers of Jesus or even desire to know Him more.
A few days later at church, the pastor spoke about a similar topic: the importance of living a life that constantly longs for more of Jesus—to the point of echoing the words of Revelation: “The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’”
Sometimes we stop longing for Jesus because we have become comfortable where we are, enjoying the many pleasures and distractions of the world. And yet the truth remains: We are all saved by grace, and we all need His daily grace.
That is what Christmas is truly about: His grace poured out for humanity. We are all weak. We all fall short. We all mess up in one way or another. And we all desperately need Jesus. His grace is sufficient—not to be abused, but to be lived in and shared.
His grace is what makes us a gift to our spouse. Grace shapes our character, softens our hearts, and teaches us humility, patience, forgiveness, and love. Grace is the greatest gift Jesus came to give, and it is also the greatest gift we can offer others.
Christmas is a powerful invitation to both receive and extend grace. The best Christmas gift we can give—to God, to ourselves, to our loved ones, and even to those who have hurt us—is the gift of grace and forgiveness. Relationships are not perfect. How could they be? People are not perfect. Only Jesus is. Yet we can continually become more like Him as we ask Him to fill us with His Spirit and shape our hearts.
Even the Apostle Paul, whom God chose to carry the Gospel and who is still impacting the world for Jesus, experienced weakness. Yet Jesus reminded him, “My grace is sufficient.” God speaks the same truth to us today. Weakness is not something to hide, but it is the very place where God’s beauty and strength are revealed. When we walk in humility and allow Him to search our hearts, prune us, and transform us, His name is glorified.
May our prayers be like the ones Jesus prayed: “May Your kingdom come. May Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”
May we be a people who long for Him and His glorious return, who ask Him to come, and who allow Him to prepare our hearts for that day.
So, this Christmas, rest in the grace of our Savior. Let go of past hurts. Extend forgiveness—to others and to yourself. Trust that God is with you and for you, especially in the areas where you struggle. His grace is certainly enough!
May this Christmas be a season of grace—received freely and given generously. Restfully abide in the presence of our Savior through the Holy Spirit, who is always with us.
Merry Christmas!