In the religion I was raised in, I often heard Jesus referred to as the “Lamb of God” that takes away the world’s sins. I never fully understood why He was called a lamb. Once I began to study the religion in which He was raised, the understanding came. As perfect lambs were killed regularly to atone for people’s sins in the Jewish faith, Jesus willingly gave himself as a pure lamb as a final and one-time sacrifice. He endured a horrendous death to remove oppressive shame from all who would receive His gift of forgiveness and follow Him.
I am beyond grateful, humbled, and overwhelmed by what I have because of his sacrifice, and I take comfort in it when self-condemnation over mistakes tries to sneak into my life.
His laying down his life (so I don’t have to carry shame) has given me the strength to grow through the challenging consequences of my errors.
His acceptance gives me the courage to make amends to those I have hurt, including myself.
His grace and power over sin help me learn, grow, and love better because His Holy Spirit lives in me.
The price he paid for my freedom helps me to move forward without the weight of self-reproach over the past, present, and future ways I may fall short of loving Him, others, and myself.
His compassion helps me continually walk in forgiveness toward myself and others and resist doubts about my value.
His faithfulness and friendship enable me to have faith in my and others’ ability to walk in increased love and freedom and to see the artwork and beauty he created and is creating in every person.
His ability to work all things for good and create beauty from what seemed lost and broken brings me much joy 
.
Happy Birthday, Jesus. I wrote these words to show you how thankful I am for all You are to me 
.
Merry Christmas, everyone. This season can be a time of raw emotion, especially for those experiencing loss. Wherever you are on the range of human emotions, may you feel wrapped in the love and peace of Jesus. Even in pain, may you feel comfort knowing you are in His Good Hands. May you have the courage to trust Him with your heart and your life. He loves you so much .
“Anyone can be made right with God by the free gift of His loving-favor. Jesus Christ bought them with His blood and made them free from their sins. God gave Jesus Christ to the world. Men’s sins can be forgiven through the blood of Christ when they put their trust in Him.” Romans 3:23-25 NLV