The Glory of the Lord Shall Be Revealed
Eventually, the woman was the only person left standing with Jesus. Notice, Jesus did not say the woman was not guilty. Rather, He said, “Neither do I condemn you: go, and from now on, sin no more.” (John 8:11 ESV) These powerful and transforming words are at the core of the New Testament message—the message of God’s grace which passes all understanding. This is the message of the Incarnation, and it is the gift of Christmas for which we truly celebrate and rejoice. As it says 1 Timothy 1:15, God Incarnate came into the world to “save sinners.” As we continue our Advent journey, may we, like the woman standing in the presence of Jesus, recognize and repent of those times we have strayed from the Gospel message to love God and love our neighbor. God Incarnate came into this world each of us, that we might be transformed and so be salt and light to the world. As both God and Man, Jesus lived on earth to establish a relationship with each of us. And Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, is here today. Seek Him out, repent, and receive a freedom that can only come from faith in Him. Prepare this Advent season for the greatest gift of life that can only be received from God Incarnate: “Neither do I condemn you: go, and from now on sin no more.”
The Reverend Charles Roy Allison, MDiv ’12 Priest Associate, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Bonita Springs, Florida
Meditation Eleven
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