Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148, Hebrews 2:10-18
Looking back on the year, there were many things I was grateful for. I was thankful that my permanent residency was progressing and my children were doing well in school. The number of churchgoers has also increased. Watching Giving Tuesday, I was reminded of the love of our board members and congregation who work hard to maintain our church. There were many things to be thankful for, such as the Sunday School and Youth Group meetings, the pie group, the Hand Bell, and special lectures by church members. There were some very sad things at times, but before we knew it, the year had come to an end. Looking back, I confess that I have come this far by the grace of the Lord.
As we read today from the prophet Isaiah, I hope that this gratitude and praise will overflow in your lives. Verse 7 begins the recollection of Jehovah’s grace. That is, I will speak about all the mercy and grace that God has shown to the chosen people. Verses 8 and 9 recall the selection of the people of Israel and their salvation. The salvation work of God described here refers to Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. ‘The angel of presence’ refers to Jesus. This also refers to the intervention of the Holy Son Jesus during Israel’s salvation history in the Exodus. We affirm that Christ, who will one day save humanity from the oppression of sin, was deeply involved in the work of saving God’s chosen people even before His incarnation.
Through these words, we can witness God’s unchanging love for His chosen people. We can see God’s infinite mercy in punishing Israel when they sin, but then forgiving them and showing them grace again when they repent. Thus, because of our weakness, we can sin and be disciplined by God. But even then, we gain the strength to appeal to God, and despite our weaknesses, through the Creator’s love and mercy, we can rise again from where we have fallen and failed. We can have the assurance that we will ultimately attain eternal salvation.
Before the Israelites left Egypt, they were in a desperate situation with no hope of salvation. That is, as slaves in Egypt, they had no hope. God chose Moses as a leader for the Israelites and saved them from Egypt through him. But Israel easily forgot God’s grace and betrayed their Creator whenever they had the chance. So God, their leader and protector, was concerned about the Israelites. Ultimately, they were judged in the wilderness, and only their descendants were allowed to enter the Promised Land.
When Israel repented and sought God’s help, the Creator showed them grace and granted them the rest of Canaan. Thus, God’s love for His people is unchanging and limitless. Isaiah proclaims this very love and grace of God. Although Israel is currently in Babylonian captivity after being destroyed, Isaiah declares that God will show favour to Israel when they serve Him well again. “This situation of betraying God and being punished will soon change.”
Sometimes we face hardships. But even in times of trouble, we must remember God’s love. This is the grace that God gave to Israel in the past. We must look to God’s grace, which unconditionally saves us who are unworthy, and to God, who bestows constant love, such delicate and merciful love, in our lives. Furthermore, we must pray that God will bestow His grace again. God never turns away from the praise and prayers of those who seek His grace. This is the hope given to humans who are capable of making mistakes. So we can have hope of living a blessed life again.
Next is grace through Christ, as stated in Hebrews 10. “In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.” Baby Jesus came to this earth. Jesus, who is omnipotent and possesses the status of God, comes in the form of a most defenceless baby. A state in which one cannot live without someone’s help, protection, and support. Perhaps the 30 years before Jesus began his public ministry were more difficult for him than the circumstances leading up to his death on the cross. Why is that? Because he is in a situation where he cannot use the powers he previously had as a god. How frustrating would that be? And what did he think about when he helped his father Joseph with his carpentry work? It is hard work, dealing with wood and stone. A noble god must assist in a physically demanding and dangerous task.
The fact that Jesus, who can do anything with a single word, does these things is simply a suffering. So, when I read verse 18, I find comfort. “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
Many people are tempted and tested. But Jesus also went through all of this, and so he knows and understands us humans very well. He knew well the many difficulties we humans face so that He could take our place. We know so well the grace-filled life of Jesus that we cannot help but praise Him.
The greatest gift of grace I have received this Christmas season is Jesus Christ. I experienced salvation and grace through him. I learned to be grateful because of it. Because of that, I have found someone to rely on even when I suffer at times. Because of that, I am not lonely even though I left my hometown. Because of this, we can have the hope of heaven. That is why I am so happy and thankful for the birth of Jesus. Let us remember and praise together the faithful life of love of Jesus. That Jesus will hold our hands and lead us through the end of 2025 and into the new year. Hallelujah!