During the depression years of the last century, New York City had a mayor, Fiorello LaGuardia, that was energetic and committed to his city and its people. As mayor he had the authority to do all kinds of things and one night in the mid 1930’s he took over a judge’s position at a night court in a poor section of the city. One case that was brought to him was that of an older lady who had been arrested for stealing a couple of loaves of bread to help feed her grandchildren. He told the older lady that she had committed the crime, and he had no choice but to fine her $10 or go to jail. There was no way the grandmother could afford that fine, but as he pronounced the verdict he took out his wallet and paid the fine to the bailiff for the stunned lady and then fined every person in the courtroom 50 cents for living in a city where grandmothers had to steal food to feed their grandchildren. The accuser, the attorneys and every person waiting for trial that night had to fork over what was considered “real money” in those hard times. He declared the lady free to go since he had paid the fine and the bailiff presented her with $47.50 and told her to go and buy food for those kids! I love those kinds of stories
where someone of power comes in and people are rescued, and real justice is given to the helpless. God is doing that kind of rescue for the people of earth who are stuck and in debt to him because of their sin and brokenness and in that seemingly hopeless situation, God brings…Christmas. It was the beginning of the process of paying the debt that we cannot pay for our sin and giving us hope for our futures. We are all in that courtroom, but God comes and sits and while we are guilty, opens his wallet of love and grace and mercy and we are not only set free, but given means for our today and for our tomorrows. So, as we enter this special season, remember that it is about righting the wrongs of our world and setting those free who hunger to have it. Let’s get ready to celebrate the miracle that we call Christmas again this year! Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Rom 5:6 NLT When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ
where someone of power comes in and people are rescued, and real justice is given to the helpless. God is doing that kind of rescue for the people of earth who are stuck and in debt to him because of their sin and brokenness and in that seemingly hopeless situation, God brings…Christmas. It was the beginning of the process of paying the debt that we cannot pay for our sin and giving us hope for our futures. We are all in that courtroom, but God comes and sits and while we are guilty, opens his wallet of love and grace and mercy and we are not only set free, but given means for our today and for our tomorrows. So, as we enter this special season, remember that it is about righting the wrongs of our world and setting those free who hunger to have it. Let’s get ready to celebrate the miracle that we call Christmas again this year! Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Rom 5:6 NLT When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ