5-Day Devotional - Day Two

A Storybook Christmas: Part Five Shannon Haltom Day 2: The Gift of Forgiveness Devotional Underneath the wrapping paper and holiday traditions lies the greatest gift ever given: forgiveness. Christmas celebrates God's ultimate act of love—sending His Son to bridge the gap between our brokenness and His holiness. Many of us struggle to unwrap this gift fully, especially when it comes to forgiving. Forgiveness isn't just a nice sentiment. It's the very foundation of our faith. When we hold onto grudges, resentment, or guilt, we're essentially saying that our pain is more powerful than God's grace. We become spiritually bent, unable to stand tall in the freedom Christ offers. The weight of unforgiveness keeps us looking down instead of looking up to the hope we have in Jesus. As the season draws to a close and we begin a new year, consider the people or situations you need to release. Maybe it's a family member who hurt you, a friend who betrayed your trust, or even yourself for past mistakes. Remember that forgiveness doesn't excuse a wrong or minimize your pain. It simply refuses to let that pain define your future. When we choose forgiveness, we're not just giving a gift to others—we're receiving the gift of freedom for ourselves. Bible Verse “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” –Romans 10:9 Reflection Question Who or what do you need to forgive, and what would your life look like if you truly released that burden to God? Quote “Christmas is all about forgiveness. If you can't forgive, you lost your focus.” Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of forgiveness through Jesus. Help me extend that same grace to others and to myself. Give me strength to release hurts I've been carrying and walk in the freedom You've provided. In Jesus’s name, amen.