“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.” Titus 2:11

In a restaurant at the table next to me was a family group celebrating a birthday. I suddenly heard one voice above the others say, “I suppose you’re going to tell me how Christianity is different from other beliefs.” Then in a rather mocking tone before anyone responded, “Oh right, it’s not a religion; it’s a relationship.” The speaker dragged out the last word and then laughed. I waited, shamelessly eavesdropping. “Actually,” came a soft-spoken male voice. “It is different, but it’s because of grace. God’s grace.” Silence. I’m sure a discussion ensued, but what remains in my memory is the lack of words. 

How do we explain the undeserved mercy of our God, both in our home culture and the new one where we now live? A God who gives what his creation doesn’t deserve. A God who is just and loving at the same time. A God who came to earth and lived as a human. In the book of Daniel, the wise men were aghast that they would be asked to interpret a dream of which they knew nothing. This was a feat for the gods, and “they do not live among men.” But God did just this! Jesus, the son of God, came down to us, bringing salvation for all.

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” John 1:14 

He came as a specific kind of human; a Jew. He wasn’t a character in a legend or a mythological being with super powers. His human birthplace can be found on a map, and he spoke the same language as his neighbors. He ate with friends, rode a donkey, wept, and showed anger. Yet, he was to be called Immanuel, God with us. No man comes to the Father but through him. He and God the Father are one. The only hope anyone has for forgiveness is through him. 

Phil Wickham’s worship song, Living Hope, asks, “Who could imagine so great a mercy? What heart could fathom such boundless grace?” and then defines that grace as “the God of ages stepping down to wear my sin and shame.” 

Thank you, Jesus.