ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

                        GIVING THE GIFT OF GRACE

John Newton was a slave trader in the 1740’s. He trafficked thousands of men, women and children from Africa to the auction blocks. In 1748 a violent storm threatened to sink his ship. When he watched one of his men washed overboard by the treacherous waves, he fell to his knees and prayed to God for mercy. On that fateful night Newton sensed that there is a God who hears and answers prayers, even for the worst of men.  

That day, John turned his ship around heading back to port and freed all those who were taken captive. Then he sailed his ship into the harbor, sold it, and gave his life to God. From that single quantum moment he dedicated his life to preaching the word of the Lord.  

In 1772 he wrote the hymn, Amazing Grace, which today is still one of the most popular songs in history.  A song with only a few notes that lifts the hearts of the hopeless and softens the conscience of the hardened. Amazing Grace was sung by both sides during the civil war and used as a requiem by the Cherokee Indians on the Trail of Tears.  Civil rights protestors sang it during freedom marches, and on that sweltering day in August when Dr. King shared his dream.  Amazing grace rang out when Nelson Mandela was freed from prison and the day that the Berlin Wall came tumbling down.  On 9/11 it was sung to revive the spirits of a fallen city and comfort a country in mourning. 

Grace has the power to transform lives and to right the wrongs and it can turn a wretched man into a disciple of God.  John Newton turned away from a life promoting slavery to spend the remainder of his days as a preacher and he used the grace he was given to fight for human rights.  His immortal words are a witness of God’s grace and they will continue to resound throughout the centuries.

Amazing grace how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believed!

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

This Christmas may we allow the grace of God to transform our lives. 

By Linda Sumner Urza, written for: onefineday11.blogspot.com