A Christmas Moment By The Cash Register

He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.

Psalm 103:10

This verse describes one of the most encouraging benefits of belonging to Jesus Christ. His mercy is extended to us every morning, even though we are undeserving. We don’t have to store up His mercies because He gives us a brand-new batch of mercy every day. Are you hootin’ and hollerin’ “Hallelujah” with me?

One December when I was returning an item that I had bought impulsively, I was surprised to see that there wasn’t a long line at the cash register. It seemed odd that the popular store appeared empty a week before Christmas. As the clerk processed the transaction, I gave her a piece of wrapped “smiley faith” candy.

She was so excited that she called out to a passing associate, “Look! One of my customers just gave me a piece of candy.” I was somewhat embarrassed, but I told her that I liked sweet surprises too.

She said, “I’ll never forget when my mother spoiled a sweet surprise for me. She brought cupcakes to my class for my birthday. Mom slipped and dropped the cupcakes. I laughed along with everyone else.” Then she continued. “I did the exact same thing recently for my own daughter’s birthday party in her classroom at school. I slipped and fell, too, and the cupcakes went everywhere. I guess God got me back for making fun of my mother all those years ago.”

Although my heart was thumping, I quickly said something like, “Oh, no, God is not like that! God loves you. He is a forgiving God, and He loves to offer us fresh starts because He is so merciful. His fresh start for us is why we celebrate Christmas. Jesus was born in order to die on the cross and save us from our sins.”

Her eyes lit up with wonder as she listened. As I briefly shared the Good News of Jesus, I was in awe that God had given us this time alone, with no one else at the checkout. The woman never stopped smiling, even as I walked away. I thanked God that I had an opportunity to worship Him by the cash register.

Thank God this Christmas for giving us His gracious, forgiving Spirit, who loves new beginnings. Share the Good News with others so they can have a fresh start with God too.