Not Of This World

Every day, I awake or head to sleep and hear the call of the muezzin. It is a haunting call in the mysterious way of one looking at something he is not a part of. This is not my land, and those are not my people. But today there came carolers, the 82nd Airborne Division Band ensemble that visited our corner of the war, wearing santa hats, reindeer antlers, and their uniforms. They played Silent Night, Jingle Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Joy to the World, and O' Come all Ye Faithful. As I sat and listened, I was reminded of the holiday season back home, that you could hear those songs everywhere you go during this time of year. In that moment, I was reminded of who I am, of where I come from.

It is the same with the message of grace, in a moment it transports you, unbidden, to the place where you realize you are transformed. It is for this reason that Paul writes, "Let us not forget...," and "Remember,..." for it is not achievement or judgment we trust in to be changed, but love and grace.