God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. - 1 John 4:9-10
At this point in the season, most of us have done our shopping, put up our trees, strung our lights and decorated our homes. Many have baked traditional treats, hung mistletoe and sung some carols. But have we taken the time to look beyond our traditions? Have we gazed into the dimly-lit manger to see the miracle? There, in small-town Bethlehem, God’s perfect gift of love pierced through our broken world. A human baby with full deity, wrapped in a crimson promise of redemption. Jesus. God’s very own Son—planned before time began and sacrificially given out of God’s own heart. There is no greater love—no greater gift.
As we approach Christmas Day, let’s quiet our busy lives and our noisy minds long enough to sit in God’s presence. Let’s feel the magnitude of this kind of love. Immanuel. God with us. Let’s open our hands to receive His gift—either for the first time or for a fresh time—and give Him our hearts in complete, unhurried surrender. Nothing could be more meaningful this Christmas.
A CLOSING PRAYER
Father in heaven, You demonstrated Your profound love for us at Christmas with the gift of Your Son. We lift a chorus of gratitude and devotion to You! May our praises resound with joy this Christmas and may Your love fall fresh on us like gentle snow, warming our hearts and stirring our souls.