Unwrapping the Greatest Gift
Have you ever received a gift that wasn't quite right? While misguided presents might make for funny stories, they remind us of a deeper truth: the greatest gift we can receive or give is love. This Christmas, let's unwrap the most precious gift of all - God's supernatural love.
The Source of All Love
Where does love come from? In a world often marked by evil and suffering, it's easy to wonder why there's any good at all. But the Bible gives us a clear answer in what might be the most well-known verse of all time:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
This verse encapsulates the entire story of the Bible and reveals the source of all love: God himself. His love isn't just a feeling or an idea - it's an action that changed the course of history.
God's Crazy Love for You
Here's a truth that might be hard to accept, but it's absolutely vital: God is crazy about you. He doesn't just love you - he "so loved" you. It's as if he's making a point, emphasizing the depth and intensity of his love.
Think about the person you love most in this world. Now, imagine a love even greater than that. That's how God feels about you. It's the kind of love that made him choose you "long before he laid down Earth's foundations" (Ephesians 1:4).
When God looks at you, he doesn't see your mistakes or shortcomings. Instead, he sees "the righteousness of Christ." You are, as Paul writes, "Christ the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).
Love Spelled G-I-V-E
How do you spell love? G-I-V-E. God's love is most clearly demonstrated in his willingness to give. And what did he give? "His only begotten son" (John 3:16).
Two thousand years ago, God's love was poured out on Earth in the form of a baby born in Bethlehem. Jesus, the Creator of the universe, willingly became part of his creation so that we could have a relationship with God.
As C.S. Lewis put it, trying to imagine the Creator becoming a creation is like imagining yourself becoming a slug. It's an unthinkable sacrifice, yet Jesus said "yes" to pay the price for our sins.
Responding to God's Love
How should we respond to this incredible offer of love? The answer is simple: faith and trust. It's not just intellectual knowledge, but a willingness to give our lives to him.
When someone offers you a gift, you have two choices: reject it or receive it. God's offer of love and salvation is the same. As Peter said when he visited Cornelius' house, "It makes no difference who you are or where you're from. If you want God and are ready to do what he says, the door is open" (Acts 10:34-35).
The Prize of Love: Eternal Life
What's the ultimate result of accepting God's love? Eternal life. But don't think of this as just something that happens after we die. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Christ. It means we can walk every day in a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe.
Putting It Into Practice
So how can we live out this eternal style of life with Jesus this Christmas? Author Bob Goff suggests a simple practice:
Tell God who you are: A child of God, forgiven and righteous in Christ.
Tell Him where you are: Are you anxious? Happy? Fearful? Joyful?
Tell Him what you want.
Then listen, because God is here.
This Christmas, let's remember that we are deeply loved by the Father. That's our true identity. As we exchange gifts and celebrate with loved ones, may we continually communicate with our best friend, Jesus, using these simple questions: Who am I? Where am I? What do I want?
And then, let's listen. Because the greatest gift of all - God's love - is already ours.
Reflection:
1. How does understanding God's deep love for you change your perspective on your daily life?
2. In what ways can you better receive and accept God's love, especially during times when you feel unworthy?
3. How can you reflect God's love to others this Christmas season?
4. What steps can you take to make your relationship with God more of a priority in your life?
Application:
This Christmas, commit to daily communication with God using Bob Goff's simple method: Tell God who you are (a child of God, forgiven and loved), where you are (your current emotional and spiritual state), and what you want. Then, take time to listen for his response. Let this practice deepen your relationship with God and help you experience his love more fully.
Prayer:
God, thank you for your immeasurable love for us. Help us to truly understand and accept that we are deeply loved by you. May this realization transform our hearts and our approach to this Christmas season. Guide us to reflect your love to others and to prioritize our relationship with you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
