Christmas Morning: Son Rise on a New DaySample

“God helps those who help themselves.”

Have you ever heard this saying? Do you know where this sentence is found in the Bible? It actually isn’t in the Bible at all! The Bible does not present God as merely the judge of the universe who helps the fit and noble. The Bible introduces God as the One who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love! The idea that God only helps those who are “help-able,” though popular, is not accurate. God is gracious and merciful, helping those who cannot help themselves.

This is great news! The more we get to know ourselves and humanity, we realize that our problems are worse than we knew. We are sinful people, possessing a wicked tendency to walk away from God and disobey Him in what we think, say, and do. As it pertains to our eternal salvation, we simply cannot help ourselves. We need a Savior!

Thankfully, God the Father sent God the Son to be our Savior. Of Him, Mary continues her song and celebrates His mercy, His strength, His ability to exalt the humble, and His ability to fill those who are empty. Mary knows that her role as the mother of Jesus and the blessing that will come because of her faith in Him is not because of her righteousness, but because of His. The powerful and proud of society, Mary notes, will be brought low, while the humble and God-fearing will be exalted. God helps those who cannot help themselves, and He does so through the work of Jesus!

Take a moment today reflecting on the grace and mercy of God and your own sinfulness. The best Gift ever, Jesus’ death upon the cross offering forgiveness for our sins, did not come to those on the “nice” list, but those who understood their personal need. Thank the Lord for the merciful work of His strong arm!