For the next 4 Mondays in December, I have chosen 4 words to focus on. They are “gifts from God” that you will never want to return or exchange for something else.
The first word is LOVE. The ultimate demonstration of love is found in it’s purest form in John 3:16:
“For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Can you even begin to comprehend all that verse means? Our great God (the Creator of heaven and earth) loved us so much He gave us His Son. Let’s stop right there and think about how awesome this is. Jesus (God’s Son) was also willing to leave his home and the glory of heaven to be born as a baby (taking on human form, and being born in a lowly manger). This was God’s plan from the beginning. The reason? It’s found in the rest of the verse. God has provided us the gift of salvation through Jesus and anyone who believes in Him (Jesus) will not perish, but have everlasting life. God knew there was no other way for any of us to ever get to heaven (because of our sin); so He has provided salvation through His Son.
The whole Christmas story is a miracle; but it is also a beautiful love story. A love story of God’s love for mankind; and He holds this gift out to you. It’s the most important gift we all need to receive if we want to live with him in heaven some day. Many of us have received it already; but if you haven’t, I can’t think of a better time than the Christmas season for you to accept this free, wonderful gift that lasts forever!
Oh what love was poured out that first Christmas morning!
Let me briefly give you an acrostic that can help you to pass on God’s love to others.
L – Listen (really listen to what others are saying to you)
O – Overlook faults (None of us are perfect, are we?)
V – Value/respect others (even when you disagree)
E – Express “I love you” often and show it even in simple, kind, and merciful ways)
As God continues to shower us with His love; may we, too, be an instrument in His hands to let Him love others through us.