The Business of Reconciliation

Around two thousand years ago in a small, unknown town called Bethlehem, in a country now known as Israel, Jesus was born to reconcile the world back to God. The bible says, "that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:19

Webster Dictionary gives a definition of to reconcile as "to restore to friendship or harmony." Humans have committed sins and turned away from God. We all have become the enemies of God, doing things that are hostile toward God. However, God doesn't hold grudges against us. He yearns to reconcile with us and forgive us. God reaches out to humankind in a special way. He sent His only son, Jesus Christ, to pay for the penalties of our sins on the cross. God has forgiven us completely in Jesus Christ.

What a good news this is! ---that God doesn't count my sins against me. How kind and how sacrificing God is. I am sure a list of my sins is as long as a roll of paper in a cash register and much more. But God torn it apart and erased it. God forgives and forgets even though I don't deserve such a treatment. I have never seen a person so thoughtful, so forgiving as God!

I believe that God wants all human beings to get back to him, to have a close relationship with Him again. Through Jesus Christ, we can get back to the loving arms of God. Friendship with God is sweeter than anything I've known. Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Today Jesus is inviting all of us to go back to God.

Jesus is in the business of reconciliation. We witness his ministry of reconciliation at the cross. I am in awe of God's loving heart and his commitment toward mankind through Christ's sacrifices.

Merry Christmas to you all.