Beautiful Exchange

Christmastime. Malls are packed and the return and exchange lines will be zoos. I used to be a manager at a retail store and I hated returns and exchanges. First of all, it meant the company wasn't gaining any revenue and that was never really good as a manager. Secondly, people became dishonest... as if I really cared why they were returning the ugly sweaters and socks that Aunt Cathy bought for them. The stories were incredible.

God is in the exchange business... like a customer service rep at Christmas time... (um. only better) He is cheerful, willing, ready... (perfect.)

Beauty for ashes.
Dancing for mourning.

I can picture myself walking up to Him... waiting in line with my story. My explanation in my back pocket (along with the receipt of course) as to why I needed to exchange my 'thing.' He doesn't care. It's not about revenue. It's not about the reason. It's the act. It's the exchange act.

Adoption for orphans.
Life for death.

Beautiful Exchange
[Hillsong]

You were near
Though I was distant
Disillusioned, I was lost and insecure

Still mercy fought
For my attention
You were waiting at the door
Then I let You in

Trading your life
For my offenses
For my redemption, You carried all the blame

Breaking the curse
Of our condition
Perfection took our place

When only love could make a way
You gave Your life in a beautiful exchange

My burden erased
My life forgiven
There is nothing that could take this love away

My only desire
And sole ambition
Is to love You just the same

When only love could make a way
You gave Your life in a beautiful exchange
When only love could break these chains
You gave Your life in a beautiful exchange

Holy are You, God
Holy is Your name
With everything I've got
My heart will sing how I love You

Jesus, I belong to You. I surrender the ugly sweaters and socks in my life that I never really wanted for the things that I really want... more of You. More of Your will in my life. More of Your understanding. More of Your direction. At Your the sound of Your voice, I will follow You. The great exchange Jesus. More of You for less of me.