He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed (I Peter 2:24).
A great display of mercy is celebrated during this season, which is soon to culminate. The merciful act occurred at God's command, for ". . . when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman" (Galatians 4:4). The idea of "sending forth" implies an underlying purpose. Whenever one is given an imperative to embark on a specific journey, there is generally a purpose to accomplish in the place of the directed destination.
The reason for Jesus' journey to the earth is expressed in varied ways throughout Scripture. He enters the world to deliver humankind from evil to understanding which allows one to escape corruption in the world caused by sinful desires (Isaish 9:2; Luke 2:32; II Peter 1:4). Jesus' entry into the world likewise opens an avenue of provision, later manifested through God's Spirit, which upgrades human capacity to a level of "more than conqueror" in all things through Him Who loved us (Romans 8:37). God so loved the world that He sent His Son to save humanity from the devastation of a destructive life and the dismay of an even more disturbing death.
As 2025 dawns, it is therefore important to pause and reflect prior to moving forward. As this reflection occurs, remembrance of the abundant life Jesus came to provide (John 10:10b) can consume the mind. In reverent stillness, Jesus' mission of healing the brokenhearted, preaching deliverance to the captives, and providing freedom to those who are bruised can soothe anxious thoughts and fearful emotions. The year ahead has promise beyond earthly situations because
the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of
the shadow of death
a light has dawned (Matthew 4:16).
May the light of Jesus' healing love keep and sustain humankind in 2025 and beyond.
Rev. Patricia Robinson Williams, Ph.D., D. Min., LMFT
Co-Founder and Clergy Leader, Sacred Scripts, Inc.
Writer, Wisdom Pages Trademark
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