Cross | Pardon
The cross is God’s forgiveness for sinful people. The cross means substitution—his life for your life. It means justification—justice is attained by his sacrifice in your place and for your sins. It means forgiveness, that what you deserve for your offenses has been taken on by another.
The gospel as pardon is thrilling news for those who are overwhelmed with guilt. This is gospel for those who are tortured with shame. For those who are nagged by conviction. For those who feel dirty over their thoughts, words, or deeds. For those who feel that there is no way that a good God could love a bad person. For those who feel that every bad thing that happens is God punishing for the bad things they’ve done. The cross: God’s pardon for us.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you” (Psalm 143:8).
Jesus came that we might receive pardon and forgiveness. Our sins haunt us with guilt and shame. We confess that we too often cower in fear instead of living in joy. John writes, “There is no fear in love…for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (John 4:18).
Consider your sin and fear this day: Fear of shame.
Now consider the pardon of the cross of Christ: “In this is love, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins” (I John 4:10). God’s love is proven to you in sacrifice. Wood and nails, sweat and blood, pain and a last breath. By the death and resurrection of Jesus, fear is confronted and cast out. With no conditions or strings attached, you are loved by God!
Word, Meditation, and Closing Prayer
Return to the word, phrase, or verse you meditated upon on Sunday. Re-read that selection from the text. After a week spent pondering the presence of Christ through his incarnation and birth, what truth is the scripture speaking to you now? Write or speak your own prayer or meditation in response to God’s Word.