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b'What do think of when you hear the word \\u201credeem?\\u201d To be honest, one of the first things that comes to my mind is coupons. You have to redeem a coupon in order for it to have any value. Until you trade your coupon in for that free cheeseburger or half-off a pair of shoes, all you have is a slip of paper and a promise. Redemption turns an idea into a result. The Bible often uses the word \\u201credeemed\\u201d to describe a rescue: He redeemed the Israelites from Egypt. Luke 1:68 uses the term in words of worship: \\u201cPraise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.\\u201d Yes, past tense! God\\u2019s sacrifice of His perfect son Jesus was the catalyst that turned a promise into our salvation. Hallelujah! We have been redeemed; we have been rescued from sin. Because of Jesus, we are made new and welcomed into God\\u2019s family with open arms. We have access to the Holy Spirit in the face of struggles, and an ally who has overcome evil. We are called to live in light of this redemption on a daily basis and share this glorious news with others. This is Andrew Palau.'