Day 4 ** BONUS ** - How deep the Father’s love for us

I’ve eaten a lot of Kit-Kat’s in my lifetime – too many probably! But I do like them. Snacky two fingers, or original four fingers, there is something delightful and delicious about these chocolate bars. Many, many years ago I read about a person who bit into one of the Kit-Kat fingers and discovered that it was solid chocolate. Somehow the wafer element was not included, and it became a solid chocolate finger. Wow. I’ve always hoped ever since for the bonus of finding a solid chocolate Kit-Kat.

Today, dear Life-Light readers, this is your Kit-Kat moment! Every Wednesday through to Christmas we are going to have a bonus Life-Light reflection. A sort of Take a Break – have a bonus Life-Light moment. This is not to detract from the roster of scheduled reflections that are coming your way, but to add to it. We hope you enjoy this extra delight!

The hymn "How Deep the Father's Love for Us" is a favourite of mine. Although the word "forgiveness" is never used, its presence is felt in every line. Stuart Townend's modern classic forces us to confront what forgiveness actually cost — not in abstract theological terms, but in wood and nails and blood.

Behold the man upon a cross:

My sin upon His shoulders;

I love the way we are brought into the hymn with the use of the words, “...my sin”. This isn't future tense. When we light the Advent Candles and sing of a coming Saviour, we're singing about a deed already accomplished in the heart of God. Before the angels announced His birth, the Father knew the price. Before Mary's yes, the cross was yes. Forgiveness was always the plan.

His dying breath has brought me life:

I know that it is finished.

With gentle ease, through the singing of this hymn, we discover that we are standing at the foot of the cross. We discover we are not passive recipients of a forgiveness story; we're active participants in the need for it. Advent calls us to honest reckoning. Who do we need to forgive? Whose forgiveness do we need to seek? The season of preparation isn't just about making room for Jesus in our schedules, but in our grudges, our pride, our carefully maintained lists of wrongs.

But this I know with all my heart:

His wounds have paid my ransom.

In Advent, we wait for a baby who came to die – so that we might live. We prepare for joy by confronting the depth of our need. This great and stirring hymn reminds us that Christmas is God's forgiveness wrapped in flesh, and that forgiveness required everything.

Enjoy listening to this song – and enjoy every bonus that comes your way.

I’m off for a Kit-Kat!

Neil Chappell