This week's devotion is authored by James Blake, prayer co-coordinator for our ministry expansion campaign.

The Awesome Gift of Godly Sorrow

My sins, my sins, my Savior!

How sad on Thee they fall;

Seen through Thy gentle patience,

I tenfold feel them all;

I know they are forgiven,

But still, their pain to me

Is all the grief and anguish

They laid, my Lord, on Thee.

John S.B. Monsell, "Hymns of Love and Praise," 1863

"As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation ..." 2 Corinthians 7:9-10

I’m almost certain that no one had repentance on their Christmas wish list. A new sport coat, those Cole Haan dress shoes, Peter Attia’s new book, repentance — yeah, that doesn’t seem to fit with the season. However, our time in Advent hopefully made us realize that this world views Christmas differently than children of God should.

The birth of our Savior is a boundless reason to celebrate in our lives. Yet Advent reminded our community that Jesus Christ’s birth was His first step in overcoming the world (John 16:33). It was a gift that truly deserves the term awesome, but it was not the only gift we are to remember, namely, godly sorrow.

Oswald Chambers wraps it up delicately and puts a bow on it: “The foundation of Christianity is repentance. Strictly speaking, a person cannot repent when he chooses — repentance is a gift of God. If you ever cease to understand the value of repentance, you allow yourself to remain in sin.”

It’s important enough to repeat: conviction of sin is a precious gift. And like faith, it’s not left to our own abilities but formed in us by the Holy Spirit (John 16:8–9; Galatians 4:19). Sometimes arriving suddenly, its sharp pains remind us of the cause of Christmas until we fully understand God’s purpose with Jesus’ birth — He saved us through His death and resurrection.

Be sure to rejoice this Christmas day. And as your kids and grandkids search for one last gift under the tree, remind them of those spiritual ones that are harder to wrap.

Good Christian, fear; for sinners here

The silent Word is pleading.

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,

The cross be borne for me, for you;

“What Child Is This,” LSB Hymn 370

About Mindful Monday Devotions

In our season of celebration with Tell the Wonders He Has Done, we continue in our prayerful focus as we look to the months and years ahead with thanksgiving. Join us as we remain in God's strong Word each Monday morning.