An Advent reflection by Anne Woodward.
Read
Psalm 25:6-7 Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!
Reflect
God, my nearest and dearest and I, know very well that my transgressions are many. No one is perfect and no one can change the past, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t repent our sins or that we shouldn’t try to be better in the future. However, we are able to move on unfettered by guilt and regret in the knowledge that nothing we do is hidden from God; he knows us and despite this, he is merciful and eternally steadfast in his love for us.
Pray
Merciful Lord, give us the strength to let go of our sins; to forgive ourselves and others as we know that you forgive us.
Act
If the burden of sin starts to weigh you down, imagine gathering your sins into a large ball and pushing it up a steep hill. At the summit, feel the relief when you push it over the edge into God’s waiting arms.
Anne Woodward