Isaiah 61:1-3
When some people send out Christmas cards, they include a Christmas letter. They share the news of all that happened with their families throughout the year. Jesus also has a letter to share. And in it He proclaims God’s good news to all who are afflicted. Because of His great love, God sent His only begotten Son to bring healing, freedom, and comfort to a hurt and broken world. And to those He calls His own He gives great gifts. A garland instead of ashes. The oil of gladness instead of mourning. And the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. Calling us “oaks of righteousness”, Jesus says that with Him as our root, we can withstand anything. What a precious Christmas letter to receive! One filled with love from our Savior, Jesus Christ, proclaiming the favorable year of the Lord. A time characterized by God’s grace, redemption, and deliverance!
