"Mary Don't Cry, Jesus Born to Die"

But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered. Romans 4:5-7

It has been quite a few years since our family spent Christmas in the States. There are so many things attached to our ministry in Liberia going on during the Christmas and New Years season that we always feel compelled to be here, even if it means traveling from the States at the beginning of December.

And, lest you feel sorry for us, there are many, many things we like very much about being here during the Christmas season. While we don't get a white Christmas, neither are are cold. Because there are a more manageable number of programs and parties, each is appreciated all the more. And while there is a lot of commercialism surrounding the season, compared to in the States it is very tame.

There is one more thing to really love. Liberia has its own Christmas carol and this carol reminds each of us throughout the entire season of the true meaning of Christmas.

Image public domain

Mary Don't Cry, Jesus Born to Die

Mary don't cry, Jesus born to die.
Mary don't cry, Jesus born to die.
Mary don't cry, Jesus born to die. Glory, hallelujah, praise the Lord.
All of my sins have been taken away, taken away.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Glory, hallelujah, praise the Lord.

All of my sins have been taken away, taken away.

How thankful I am that Jesus did not remain a baby. His sinless childhood, teenaged years and adulthood are, because of God's grace poured out on Calvary at the crucifixion of Jesus, credited to my account. Because this precious baby became my Savior, "all of my sins have been taken away, taken away."

Christmas 2013