Amazing Grace -- Reflections on Christmas.

Amazing grace. 
How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. 
I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.  
 
Twas grace that taught my heart to fear 
And grace my fears relieved. 
How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed.  

John Newton

This morning we will all focus on the baby Jesus -- and that is appropriate.  But amongst the good will and feasting, remember why this tiny baby is still the focus of our attention after 2000 years. 
 
The beautiful baby grew up and became a man.  Thirty three years after that first Christmas He endured a brutal, agonising death.   He didn't need to do that.  He chose to do it out of love for mankind.  For you, for me, for the humblest and the most exalted.  Jesus chose to die as an atoning sacrifice so that we could be forgiven for our sins. 
 
For all my failings: shameful things I've done and the duties I've shamefully neglected.  Not because I'm good or clever or in any way deserving of redemption.  Because, even in the depths of my sinfulness, Jesus loves me. 
 
Talk about amazing grace!


Happy Christmas to all my friends and family.  Remember, Jesus loves you too.

Motivations

Motivation is a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are it will burn very briefly

Stephen Covey

I am often amazed at some people's ability to determine what other people really mean. 
 
If you support building a Mosque near Ground Zero you are clearly a Muslim collaborator who supports terrorism and abuse of women.  If you oppose the Mosque you must be a redneck racist who hates all foreigners.
 
There always seems to be somebody who knows what you really mean.  I know it is not fashionable, but I've frequently found that the best way to know what somebody means is to ask them. 

If I hear one more politician reporting of their opponent "Sure s/he said [insert a position] but it is clear that they mean the opposite" . . .

Well I probably won't scream and yell, as I'd like to, because it will certainly happen tomorrow. 

Sigh