Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight (Colossians 1:21-22).

Apologizing for something is a very tough thing to do.   I’m not talking about the “oops, sorry” when we accidentally collide with someone else’s shopping cart.  I’m talking about when we’ve done something wrong to another person, something we know was wrong or hurtful.  And even (or if) we apologize, it’s often in the form of, “I’m sorry, but please understand” or “I know you’re hurt but let me explain.”  

It comes so naturally for us to look for an outside explanation or justification for our poor behavior.  I believe I’m a good person. Surely, I was just a victim of circumstances I had no control over!

Paul reminds us that when cling to our way of thinking instead of what God has put in front of us, we are making the choice to act against God, which leads to our sin.  We’re not victims of something externally acting on us.  We’re led astray by our own beliefs not aligning with God.

As I move through this holiday season, in preparation of celebrating the coming of Jesus to join us as human and divine, I’m asking for his help. When my chosen behavior hurts someone, I need Jesus to not just help me find the power to apologize.  I need Jesus to change my way of thinking so he can change my behavior.

Only through Jesus will I be strong enough to honestly change, to live like Jesus has shown me. Let me be immersed in God’s hope, always looking towards that moment of reconciliation.  Let me be held by the peace of Jesus, knowing that I always have his power to heal me when I sin and heal the relationship my behavior has damaged.  

Let me celebrate this season knowing that the imperfect me always has access to the saving grace and transforming power of Jesus.

 Dear Jesus, help me celebrate this season by filling my heart with your Hope.  With your power, help me to not just look for reconciliation or apologize for my sin, but to change my heart so that I can be a blessing to my community. Work on my heart so that I can be a beacon for your love that can also ignite your presence in the heart of someone else.