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Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

Galatians 3:13–14, ESV

Redemption for our sins requires the shedding of blood, and that is why Jesus Christ took the Cross for us. The Cross was not some beautiful symbol of hope, but a symbol of death and suffering. To be crucified was a terrible and shameful death. It was reserved for the worst criminals, so when Jesus was crucified, he was innocent, but He took upon Himself all the sins of Creation, so that anyone who would believe might be saved by His sacrifice. I say might, because belief is not something we assume, but it is given to us also. Faith is purely a gift, and for those who are blessed with it and cling to it, the surest hope is put on them. It is through His unmerited grace that we find our promised hope and our release from the curse of the Law, which will only bring death and lead us into the certain hope of our Lord’s peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.