Being a seasoned Christian that has been tempered by the years, logic and higher education, it takes a lot more for me to be impacted by something that makes me unexpectedly weep.
I went to the Carols by Candlelight here in Adelaide at Elder Park today. Under such a cold, windy and wintery condition we huddled and tried vainly to keep ourselves warm. Some of my friends wanted to see the star attraction of the night, Jessica Mauboy, who is the Australian Idol runner-up in 2006. Of course they put her at the end of the show so we had to stay for the whole program. Due to the windy condition, they even cancelled the fireworks this year, to our disappointment.
Amongst the usual Christmas carols – some spiritual, and some are just well … silly – I heard a song that I had heard a long while before. It was sung by Silvie Paladino and the words of the song were like the words of a dear friend. I consider it as the highlight of the night – that I had to look it up when I got home.
When I listened the original version, I wept. You may think I’m just a wuss, a sookie la-la – but the words touch a spot so sacred and private in my heart. It’s true that after all these years – nearly twenty years of being a born-again Christian, God’s grace still amazes me.
Your Grace Still Amazes Me
(Phillips, Craig and Dean)My faithful Father, enduring Friend
Your tender mercy’s like a river with no end
It overwhelms me, covers my sin
Each time I come into Your presence
I stand in wonder once againYour grace still amazes me
Your love is still a mystery
Each day I fall on my knees
Your grace still amazes me
‘Cause Your grace still amazes meOh, patient Saviour, You make me whole
You are the Author and the Healer of my soul
What can I give You, Lord, what can I say
I know there’s no way to repay You
Only to offer You my praiseIt’s deeper, it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
It’s deeper it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
than anything my eyes can see
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNClAJO2tnQ
Merry Christmas Arry. Through the rush and stress that often accompanies a Monday morning your words are both a comfort and a blessing, I loved this 🙂