May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love. Jude 1:2, NLT
Christmas day is always an exercise in expectancy: gift giving and gift receiving. I marveled at the joy of our children and grandchildren, as their beautifully wrapped boxes and packages became tangled ribbons and wrinkled wrapping paper, but what gave me the most pause was their genuine gratitude to one another for their gifts. I thanked the Lord for putting in their hearts and minds a spirit of true thankfulness. I also prayed for all of us to grow more and more grateful for God’s blessings. Yes, an abundant Christian life is a life ever growing in God’s graces.
Jude, brother of James and half brother of Jesus experienced first hand the mercy, peace and love of Christ. He probably saw Jesus show mercy to the woman caught in adultery who was forgiven, but instructed to sin no more. Perhaps Jude was one of the disciples post resurrection in the presence of the Lord when He breathed the Spirit on them and said, “Peace be with you.” And oh how like torrential rain Christ poured out His love on those poor in spirit. He fed. He healed. He taught. He suffered. He died. He rose from the dead. All for the sake of His vast love.
