🎁 December 11th Devotional: The Gift of Grace at the Holidays

 

🎁 December 11th Devotional: The Gift of Grace at the Holidays

Christmas is a season of giving — but some of the most powerful gifts can’t be wrapped. One of the greatest gifts we can offer this year is grace.

Grace that forgives.
Grace that lets go.
Grace that makes room at the table — even when the history is heavy.

“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” — Matthew 6:15

That’s not a threat. It’s a reminder: forgiveness is the soil where grace grows. And grace is the language of Christmas.

🎄 God Gave Us Grace First
Before we ever asked, He offered. Before we ever repented, He made a way. Grace is not earned — it’s extended. And we are called to do the same.

🎄 Grace Doesn’t Excuse — It Releases
Forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending it didn’t hurt. It means choosing not to carry the weight anymore. It means saying, “I won’t let this wound define us.”

🎄 Grace Prepares the Table
Before we gather this year — before the food is served and the stories are shared — let’s make a decision: to forgive. To release. To offer grace, even if it’s quiet and unseen.

Because the One we celebrate came to bring peace — not just to the world, but to our relationships.

 

A Prayer to Offer Grace

Father,
Thank You for the grace You’ve given me —
freely, fully, and without condition.
Help me extend that same grace to others.

Soften my heart where it’s grown hard.
Heal the places still holding offense.
Give me the courage to forgive —
not because they deserve it,
but because You forgave me first.

As I prepare to gather with others,
let grace go before me.
Let peace be my posture.
Let love be my legacy.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.