A Mother’s Loving Correction

 A Mother’s Loving Correction 

“Mama Said Knock You Out.”  This is straight from LL Cool J.  When my brothers and I were young, I changed the phrase to “Mama gonna knock you out.”  This didn’t happen in our household. However, I was one of four rambunctious boys.  We grew up with a self-sacrificing, strong, and loving single mother. None of us boys wanted to be on the bad side of our loving, redheaded, Irish mom. 

 Fast forward to Christmas Eve this year.   My mom, in a kind and gentle manner,  reminded me that I was a sinner in need of God’s grace.  She gently pointed out something in my life that was not becoming of a man of God.  She spoke softly and she was correct.   I could be defensive about my wrongdoing.  I could live in shame and defeat dwelling on it.  Instead I prayed and asked God to help me work on this in his ongoing process of sanctification in my life.  The good news is I’m not alone in this journey;  my mom and wife will be encouraging to me along this path.

Interestingly, the next day, Christmas morning, my devotional (the Daily Office), reminded me of the hope found in Christ. He comes to sinners in need of a Savior bringing hope.  May this scripture and guide to confession of sin, help us not to live in fear and shame.  God has given us  his gracious gift of faith in Christ alone.  Christ has not abandoned us.  His ongoing process of sanctification by the work of his Spirit in our lives will complete the work he has begun in us.

OPENING SENTENCE

Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

LUKE 2:10-11

CONFESSION OF SIN

The Officiant says to the People

Let us humbly confess our sins to Almighty God.

Almighty and most merciful Father,

we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.

We have followed too much the devices and desires

of our own hearts.

We have offended against your holy laws.

We have left undone those things which we ought to have done,

and we have done those things which we ought not

to have done;

and apart from your grace, there is no health in us.

O Lord, have mercy upon us.

Spare all those who confess their faults.

Restore all those who are penitent, according to your promises

declared to all people in Christ Jesus our Lord.

And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,

that we may now live a godly, righteous, and sober life,

to the glory of your holy Name. Amen.

A Deacon or layperson remains kneeling and prays

Grant to your faithful people, merciful Lord, pardon and peace; that we may be cleansed from all our sins, and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

May Christmas be a reminder to all of us sinners that our only hope is in Christ our Savior alone. That we are able through him to seek pardon by confession of our sins and find peace with God. So that we may serve him and others with a quiet mind.

Michael Liebler