The Gift of Grace — A Christmas Reflection

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Well, hello, my valued listeners, and welcome to this very special episode of Living in Your Power.
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I'm your host, Dr. Marlene Greenlee, and today's message is one that's close
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and very dear to my heart.
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Now, we're continuing our December series called The Gift of Presence,
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Finding Joy, Faith, and Focus in the Season.
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But since this is our Christmas week, this episode is all about grace.
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The kind of grace that stills your soul, softens your heart,
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and reminds you that even in a weary world, Christ's light still shines.
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So today's episode is titled, The Gift of Grace in Christmas Reflections.
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So let's begin. For me, the meaning of grace is God's gentle reminder that you
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don't have to earn what's already been given.
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Because it meets you in your exhaustion and whispers, you're still love.
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It meets you in your fear and says, peace, be still.
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The birth of Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of grace.
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A gift we can never repay, but one we are invited to receive every day.
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Ephesians 2.8 reminds us, For it is by grace you have been saved through faith,
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and this is not from yourselves.
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It is the gift of God.
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So this week, while the world celebrates with lights and gifts,
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I want to invite you to pause and remember the quiet miracle of grace that started in a manger.
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So, I know for many, the holidays can carry mixed emotions.
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Joy and grief together and maybe you're missing someone you love maybe you're
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navigating uncertainty about the year ahead,
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and maybe if you're honest you're just tired i mean at this time my husband
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is back in the hospital but i know that god is going to work things out so i
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want you to to know this to understand this.
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Here's the beautiful truth. Grace shows up in the mess.
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It's in the quiet morning when you finally breathe.
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It's in the forgiveness you extend when you choose anger.
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It's in the simple fate that God is still at work, even when you can't see it.
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So this Christmas, give yourself permission to rest in that grace.
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To stop chasing perfect and start embracing peace.
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Now, here are three ways that you can experience grace this Christmas.
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First, and most importantly, extend grace to yourself.
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You don't have to get everything right to be worthy of love.
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So, let go of guilt and lean into growth because you are enough.
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And right now, just as you are, you are enough.
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Extend grace to others. Yes, someone may need your kindness more than your correction this season.
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So offer patience, a listening ear, or a simple word of encouragement.
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Extend grace to others.
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And third, receive God's grace fully. Let this be the coming year that you stop
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trying to earn what he already gave you.
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Pray, rest, and breathe in his love.
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Because grace is the gift that keeps you soft in a hard world.
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So, our Christmas reflection today is As you celebrate this week,
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May you remember The greatest gift isn't under your tree It's in the peace within
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your heart The light of Christ still shines through you Through your act of
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service your love and your faith.
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So your empowerment prompt for this week, it's real simple. Of course, you got to write it down.
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So I want you to take time this week and write down what does grace mean to me right now?
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Where in my life do I need to receive more of it?
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And how can I be a reflection of that grace to someone else?
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I'm going to repeat that for you. I want you to write down, think about it,
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and then write down, what does grace mean to me right now?
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Where in my life do I need to receive more grace?
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And how can I be a reflection of that grace to someone else?
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I want you to then say this affirmation out loud.
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God's grace covers me. His peace fills me.
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His love leads me. And this Christmas, I rest in Him.
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Okay? God's grace covers me. His peace fills me.
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His love leads me.
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And this Christmas, I rest in Him.
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So in closing today, my friends, I want you to remember,
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wherever you're listening from today, Whether you're surrounded by family or
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spending this holiday quietly I want you to know this You are seen and you are loved beyond measure,
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So let this Christmas be a time of renewal and release Let your heart exhale
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Let grace do what only grace can do Which is to heal, restore,
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and remind you of your worth.
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I want to thank you for joining me today on this episode of Living In Your Power.
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And I'll see you next week for a final episode of the year.
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A special New Year's reflection on stepping into your next.
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Walking in peace and purpose.
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So until next time dear listeners. I want you to live boldly in your power.
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And if it gets tough. Just breathe.
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You've still got the strength to rise.
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So Merry Christmas, my dear listeners.
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May your home be filled with peace, your heart with joy, and your life with grace.
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Continue to live in your power.
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Bye.