For I will be merciful regarding their wrong deeds, and I will never again remember their sins.
-Hebrews 8:12 (International Standard Version)

Over Christmas, gathered for an extended family dinner, the kids were finishing up to rush off to open stockings. The rule was to have a clean plate before stockings. Our oldest is one to savor a meal. Every bite. He was eager to join his cousins. The rule was repeated to him. A sympathetic uncle nudged him and offered his own clean plate, "let's switch," he winked. 

Our son looked aghast, "that would be lying to my mother!" Surprised, the uncle inquired, "have you ever told a lie?"

Looking very ashamed and devastated, he replied looking down at his lap, "I did. But it's in my past."

A better understanding of grace, I could not give. I'm convinced children have a much better understanding of it than we do. Perhaps because they encounter it, or the need for it, with such frequency. But as we enter the new year and look forward and make our resolutions, it's both fitting and necessary, to remember the birth of Christ, who came to show us a gift of grace and love. 

The mistakes of our previous year we have made, and those made by others that hurt us... those are in our past. When we come to God, scripture tells us that God will remember our wrongs no more. God will not just forgive them. God will choose to not even have a memory of them. Your mistakes are a part of your past. Not a part of your present or future. Not a part of who you are. A part of your past. We are alive in love in grace. Happy NEW year. 

Prayer for Today

Lord, help me to remember your promises of love, and your promise that you will remember my sins no more. Amen.