I keep a hand-written Christmas list of our daughter’s from when she was about 8 years old – it is stuck in a photo album that occasionally gets viewed. It has always made me smile when I happen on it. It reminds me of the boldness of children, the honesty with which they approach events and people and activities, and the sheer belief that if you ask for something you just might get it.
It also reminds me of where I came from. I can’t imagine my father or mother making such requests of their families, and I cannot remember ever doing the same with mine. There was always the idea that there was not enough to go around and that asking for such things was just going to upset everyone. It was always better to be surprised and happy by what might show up on Christmas morning rather than expect something.
This passage in Hebrews is speaking of grace, not Christmas gifts. The passage tells us to ‘come boldly.’ And when we approach our Lord, asking for grace, I hope we all take this to heart – that we should find grace in our times of need by purposely and boldly asking for it. It seems like a scriptural command to me – that if I do not ask boldly I am likely not to receive it. How often do we assume that since we need grace that we do not deserve it? In our dealings with each other the burned hand teaches us best. It is easier to just swallow our request than to speak it.
During this Advent season, ask for grace. Ask for it boldly. Ask the Lord to give you the ability to grant others the grace they need, and to boldly request that the coming of the Christ Child be a time of renewal of your faith and of your dedication to the fellowship of believers.
Jim Vernon