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Sunday grace

Mar20

Praises came from the children and from the people in the city.  They were there for the Passover Feast.

The time had come.  It was appointed before the foundation of the world.  Grace was planned and grace was coming, riding on a donkey.

The journey into Jerusalem would announce the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  But they would not comprehend.

They expected a takeover, a rebellion, a war.  Not a suffering Servant, a crucified Savior, a Son who would show the full extent of the Father’s love.

Jesus lived so He could die.  And this Sunday on the calendar began the free fall of events leading to the end.

But it was only the beginning.

When the darkness would turn to light.  When sins bondage would be broken.  When the children of men would be invited into the very presence of God.

This day they shouted Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

And their words were true.  Though their understanding clashed with the outcome, God’s promise was being fulfilled.

For He was their long expected Jesus.  The Messiah.  He is the One.

Sunday grace.

Jesus on donkey

Coming . . .

Nov30

Advent.  Latin for “coming.”  Anticipating the arrival of someone important.

A hopeful waiting, an excited looking toward, expectantly longing.

God’s promise was first recorded in Genesis but planned before the foundation of the earth.

And God always keeps His promises.  Though it tarries, wait for it.  Though it takes longer than we thought, do not give up.  When fear threatens and voices whisper in your head, “Where are You?” cast them aside and stand on the Truth.  The surety that He cannot lie.

O Come O Come Emmanuel.  I love this ancient hymn-carol.  The longing is heard in the minor chords, in the ripple of lyrics expressing the darkness of the day but looking toward a promised tomorrow.

Wherever you are right now, whatever your present trial or your past heartache, He comes for you.  He comes as the Gift of Christmas.  He gives Himself, the greatest Gift ever, and His heart asks, “Will you take this Gift I offer?  Will you take Me?”

He is coming.  He has come.  He will come again.  Redemption rests in His hand.

Come though long-expected Jesus.  Come to set Your people free.