Special 2015 Christmas Message

By Regina P. Brown

 

Have you ever known a classy lady who dresses impeccably, carries herself with ease, and always has a kind word for everyone?  She is grace personified.  Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was respected as a graceful person.  Another type of grace we think of often is God's grace to us humans.  More about that later.

In my life, grace means overlooking another's mistake, giving a little bit of leeway, and not taking offense easily.  Grace is showing kindness to others, accepting people as they are, and allowing them to express their own personality — even if it's not socially "in style".  Grace means asking for forgiveness, and extending forgiveness to others.  Being gracious is smiling at people, making others around you feel welcome and comfortable and at ease to be themselves.  Grace treats others respectfully, even when they don't seem worthy of our respect.  Grace says, "I know you’re not perfect but I like you anyway."  My friend Elaine Swann, an etiquette expert, says that etiquette is not about following a set of rules, but rather putting the people around you at ease.  That sounds graceful to me!  As a personal goal, I am striving to show grace to others every day.  Will you join me in this quest?

And lastly, grace from God is unearned favor.  It's more than just mercy.  God's holy grace is a sacrifice for someone who is not worthy of the spectacular results, and would never be able to earn the reward on their own.  It's looking down with love and sending His son Jesus Christ to atone for our sins — past, present, and future — so that we too can obtain the perfect gift: salvation with a heavenly hope.  This Christmas, receive Christ as your savior and join me in looking forward to future in heaven.  The ultimate reward for an undeserving person like me; yet, through God's grace I will one day see His fac.  Today, I am grateful for GRACE.