During this season of Advent, as we reflect on the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that He came into a broken world to walk alongside us in our humanity and to redeem what was lost. When you see a sticker covering a mistake on the calendar, I pray it serves as a small reminder to turn to Jesus—and to trust that nothing is beyond His redeeming power.

There is a famous parable Jesus tells in Matthew 20:1-16 about the owner of a vineyard, who hires workers early in the morning, again at nine, again at noon, again at three, and again at five. When the work day comes to an end, the owner pays them all the same: one denarius. The workers who worked a full day complain about the unfairness of the situation, but the owner of the vineyard answers them…

I believe God, in his grace, allows us to fall so that we are reminded that we don't have it all together and we still need His grace, forgiveness, healing, and instruction. This reminder makes me thankful for Jesus, who took the fall for me when he was beaten, mocked, and scorned while he hung on a cross for my sins.

God does not call us to be perfect, He calls us to surrender. When we surrender and give Him our hearts, He will do the work in us to help us overcome our sin. But we are human, so we will always fall short therefore let us always remember that His mercies are new every morning.

Jesus method of grace is not sweeping her sin under the rug. He clearly commands her to not go on sinning. His method of truth is not fear driven. He does not shame her. Instead he extends grace, which powerfully leads her to the truth. Do you believe that God's grace is more powerful than the fear of consequences? Do you believe that the Truth is what will ultimately set you free? As Christians, I pray the Holy Spirit helps shape our hearts and minds to be a people that rightly reflect Gods character... Full of Grace and Truth.