Glynn Simmons, 70, was exonerated in Oklahoma after serving over 48 years for a 1975 murder conviction in a liquor store robbery. The National Registry of Exonerations reported this as the longest wrongful sentence in the U.S.. Simmons was declared innocent by Judge Amy Palumbo, who found evidence had not been disclosed to his defense. Released on bond recently, Simmons faced flawed identification and contradictory witness testimony. The amended order stated "clear and convincing evidence" that he did not commit the crime. Simmons, diagnosed with cancer, may receive up to $175,000 in compensation and has the option to file a federal lawsuit.

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The Remnant's Response

This story is heartbreaking and the latest example of our broken world, which has us all groaning and longing for redemption (Jeremiah 12:10-12). There is no way to give this man back the years stolen from him; the suffering and injustice that Mr. Simmons endured would not be compensated if he was given $17,500,000, much less the $175,000 he "might receive." It is hard to imagine the emotions he must have felt when the news reached him that he was going to be declared innocent of all charges after decades of wondering if a provision for freedom would ever come. When God's word tells us that in light of our salvation, we should 'greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while… we have been distressed by various trials" (1 Peter 1:6), it is important to remember that the "little while" for some is a lifetime. When hope finally comes, darkness is pierced, and the God who works slowly acts suddenly; the only right response is to imitate the angels on the first Christmas morning (Luke 2:14). But our story of redemption and freedom is even more miraculous than Mr. Simmons's. Yes, we live in a broken world, imprisoned by sin, jailed by the weakness of our flesh, and tormented by the hopelessness of our condition, but unlike Mr. Simmons, we deserve our fate; all of us are guilty, and none of us is innocent. We stand rightly condemned by a just God who allows us to live in the effects of our choosing (Romans 3:23, 6:23a). Left to ourselves, we can do nothing but await a full and righteous condemnation from a holy and righteously angry God.

Except for Christmas.

Christmas is when the God of perfect justice (Psalm 7:11) fully reveals that He is also the God of perfect mercy and love (Exodus 34:6). Christmas is when "people who walk in darkness" see a "great light." It is where "those who live in a dark land" had "light shine on them" (Isaiah 9:2) and "increase their gladness… as with the gladness of harvest, as men who rejoice when they divide the spoil" (Isaiah 9:3) for a "child was born to us, a Son was given to us”… and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).

Mr. Simmons is not the only one who should be singing this Christmas; in fact, he is not even the one who should be singing the loudest (Psalm 68:4). It is the remnant, the people who understand that Christmas is the fountain of our redemption (Psalm 107:2), who should be competing with the ang to see who can most loudly proclaim, "Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth and goodwill toward men" (Luke 2:14).

Are you singing to others this Christmas?