He Will Save His People From Their Sins

"...and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." (Mt 1:21 RSV)

O God, you know my sins, that they are great. I have done what is evil in your sight. I was born in sin, the seed of Adam. My body is not ordered to you, but to the world. My passions seek after the flesh, and not the spirit. And so my soul is tortured, I am enclosed in darkness, cut off from your presence. I am tormented by evil, unable to break free, a prisoner of my trespasses. How shall I come to know you, the only true God? How shall I behold your beauty, and approach your temple, with unclean hands and impure heart? Break like the dawn upon my darkness, and free me from this imprisonment.

"...and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." (Mt 1:21 RSV)

You provided for my salvation even before I was born, before the world was made. You who know the beginning from the end, you have not let your creation pass away, but have shown us your mercy. In the fullness of time, you sent us your son, born of a virgin, born under the law. He was like unto us in all things except sin, and showed us the path of life, true happiness in your steps forever. Thus he walked perfectly before you, humble and obedient.

We beheld him with our eyes, and touched him with our hands, yet we are fallen, and our nature is wounded. We can not lift our hearts to you, and our mouths are not fit to give you praise. Our spirit is willing, but our flesh is weak. In order to follow your path, our spirits must be re-created in your image. Speak, Lord, your word of life, and I shall be healed.

"...and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." (Mt 1:21 RSV)

Great is your love for us. So great that you humbled yourself unto death so that we might be joined to you. Only through a perfect sacrifice would your justice be satisfied, and you provided that sacrifice in your own flesh. So you were lifted up on the cross for all mankind, to take away the sins of the world. Blood and water poured from your side, and from your death came forth new life. Your offering atones for the sins of man, and is the source of everlasting life. You have destroyed the power of sin and death, and have ascended to the Father's right hand to intercede on behalf of man.

"...and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." (Mt 1:21 RSV)

And so my heart rejoices, my spirit is glad. You have not left my soul in the dust. How can I ever thank you my Lord? With contrite spirit and humble heart I will serve you, and give you the love that is due your name. May my soul always praise you, and my body perform your works, for you have rescued my spirit from the dead, and redeemed my life from destruction. My Lord and my God.