For My Perfect Substitute
Perfect Substitute,
We celebrate your birth at Christmas not only because you were born to suffer and die as payment for our sins, but also to live in perfect obedience to provide our righteousness. The holiness you demand of me is so far beyond my reach that I could never attain it on my own. But you did. For me.
Therefore, free from the burden of needing to secure perfection on my own, I can seek to follow in your path of righteousness not out of fear, but out of gratitude. As I strive for obedience, let it be motivated by love. As I strive to love others, including my enemies, let it be spurred on by your love for me. As I strive to follow through with my responsibilities and commitments, let it be inspired by your own resolute dedication. May my awareness and appreciation of your life of obedience as my perfect Substitute heighten my joy this Christmas season.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.