But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.
Ephesians 2:4-5
The last week of advent. This week we focus on love, which is one of the most important parts of this Christmas story.
The story in itself is amazing, a long journey, nowhere to stay, being born in a barn, angels, shepherds, and wise men…who has a birth story like that? It has to be Jesus. It wouldn’t have the same effect if Jesus came when Mary was safely at home surrounded by family.
More than just the story is the point of the birth, Jesus came because God loved us enough to send Him. God sacrificed Him so we could be saved.
Wow. The ultimate sacrifice. Jesus left perfection so he could live among us (in our imperfection) and bring us salvation. That’s true love.
And the most amazing thing is, we can find rest in that love. We can find restoration in the love Jesus brings. That love is what washes away all our sins. When we lose our temper, when we have a snarky remark, when we look longingly at what others have…all those things can be washed away because of love.
As we love our children with bursting hearts, that is how God loves us. His love is amazing and restorative. Our children find courage when their lives are filled with love, just as we find courage and strength in God’s love.
So as you open gifts this Christmas, especially if you have children, invite God to join you and ask him to spread his love around everyone in the room.
As you sit down for a meal, invite God to sit with you and spread his love over your food.
Let His love fill your Christmas festivities, surrounding your friends and family. And find rest in this love.
It is because of His love that we don’t have to aim for perfection. God sent Jesus to be perfect so we don’t have to be. Let God handle what you can’t. Rest while God takes your burden and fills you with love.
In my house we talk about love cups; we fill each other’s love cups. And this Christmas, I pray that God will fill your love cup so you are overflowing, so you are renewed and so you are strengthened. Let God wrap you in his loving embrace and enjoy the Christmas gift he sent for us.
Merry Christmas!
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