Why Christmas?

[debris4spike]

One of the questions that James was asked this month in his Q&A was -

Is justice or forgiveness more important?

And, the first part of his answer was -

Forgiveness. Jesus was right.

Christmas is the "birthday" of Jesus ... no, we don't know the exact date, but it's good to have a day and celebrate, isn't it.  Jesus is the Son of God, and was born so that we could gain forgiveness from God ... but also that we could learn to forgive others.

My Bible reading today was in Titus, and reading in "The Message", these words jumped out at me -

"Our Saviour Jesus poured out new life so generously.  God's gift has restored our relationship with Him and given us back our lives.  And there's more life to come - an eternity of life!  You can count on this."

So, in the middle of tinsel and cards, please take a moment to thank God for giving us the first, and the best, Christmas present.

Comments

[kudagirl.livejournal.com]

James seldom speaks about his faith. I was surprised by his answer because of that. To forgive is the hardest thing in life.

In the rush of the season, it's good to remember what it's all about. Bless you.

[debris4spike]

Yes, his answer certainly jumped out at me. Forgiveness that is true is very hard - and very special.

Good to just take a moment to pause and remember

[debris4spike]

Thank you - it was great to read those words which made me think - so I decided to share them.

As your icon states "I'm proud of my faith"

[illuminanted.livejournal.com]

I completely agree with you.

[debris4spike]

As I just replied to motherbatesss - The rest of James answer goes on to say this - that human idea of justice is often wrong - but all of us can forgive.

But taking a few minutes to just think of positive thoughts in the rush of Christmas has been good for us all.

[debris4spike]

The rest of James answer goesd on to say this - that human idea of justice is often wrong - but all of us can forgive.

[jaded-jamie.livejournal.com]

Praise be! Forgiveness is the hardest thing in the world to do, but so freeing when you do it right. James is wise, Jesus was/is right :D

[debris4spike]

It was great to read James answer - then the Bible verses this morning - so just wanted to share.

[cbtreks.livejournal.com]

I think God thinks that forgiveness and mercy are more important than justice. If He didn't, He wouldn't have come to earth in human form and died for us. Justice means everyone would be lost - whether to a literal fiery hell or just lost to complete nothingness after death isn't, I think, as important as knowing that no one needs to be lost. Everyone is that sheep, that penny, that pearl, because God wants, ultimately, to be merciful rather than just. (I think there is a place for justice, here in this broken world. If someone robs or rapes or murders, for example, there need to be consequences and forgiveness both. If someone is wronged, things need to be made right. I think James is right, though that our human ideas about justice are often wrong.)

I love the verse - is it in Hosea? - about God desiring mercy rather than sacrifice, which I thought of when I read your post.

[debris4spike]

Thank you.

Don't know where the verse is - but it is so true.

Our faith is our personal relationship with God and His Son, who died, so we could have forgiveness. I love the evrses that say that God delays "the end" - not wanting any to be punished . ... God's mercy is so great - I just wish that all those I loved knew that on a personal level.

Don't know if you read all of James answer - but that is what he said - that human idea of justice is often wrong.

[cbtreks.livejournal.com]

I actually meant to be quoting James but left out a comma, so it looks like an original thought. :-)

Actually, I didn't read his Q&A - what I know of it is what you posted about in your LJ entry. Where can I find it? I'd love to read it!

[debris4spike]

This months James Q&A is - here

He does one ever mid-month

[cbtreks.livejournal.com]

Thank you! That was fun to read - he sounds very thoughtful and well-spoken. I've bookmarked the page so I can go back and read some archives.

(I accidentally an e-mail reply just now - not sure where that will end up....)