Amazing Grace

A quote from the book What's So Amazing About Grace.

In Matthew 7 Jesus said, rather fiercely, "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demonst and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers."

The phrase, "I never knew you" leaped out from the page. Pointedly, Jesus did not say, "You never knew me," or "You never knew the Father." It struck [me] that one of our main tasks, perhaps the main task is to make ourselves known to God. Good works are not enough - "did we not prophesy in your name?" - any relationship with God must be based on full disclosure. [Our] masks must come off.

A reminder to myself that during this Christmas season: what our Lord wants most is not for us to minister at church or bake cookies or sing in the choir. It's not to make sure we know ABOUT Him, but to come to the manger, to present ourselves, and to share a time of intimacy with Him in complete humility.

Blessings and joy in this season of Christmas.