Grace that is greater than all our sin.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:4

I love this scripture in James which says, "But he gives more grace."  (James 4:6) I don't know about you but I could use more grace day, after day, after live long day. 

Grace is the free and unmerited favor of God. More beautifully put, my friend Eddie said it this way.

Grace appeared in a stable. It was revealed on a tree.

                                                                         ~Eddie Smith

How perfectly put! What began at Christmas, came full circle on the cross. Grace was extended to a broken world, with no strings attached. After all, isn't that how a true gift is given - with no strings attached?

The Father freely gave extravagant, unmerited favor to you and to me when he gave us Jesus. That babe we adore in the manger at Christmas, is also the King we worship and honor all throughout the year. Yet how many of us are lacking in grace? How difficult is it for us to extend that free gift to others? What we've been freely given, we must also freely give.

This week, with just days leading up to Christmas, let's allow our hearts and homes to be full of grace. Extend it lavishly wherever you go - to that person who just cut in front of you in line, or to the anxious driver who can't seem to make up their mind where it is they would like to turn... Pour it out on your waitress when she makes a mistake, because she noticeably looks as though she's had a rough day. Let it pour out in your conversation with the customer sales rep who really is just doing what they're told. 

This week let's abound in giving more grace as though we were made of the stuff! For we have been showered and immersed in great grace - grace that is greater than all our sin. 

Thank you, Father, for showering our lives with grace. May it ooze from our very being this week as we give it away lavishly, just as you have done for us.