Over the last few weeks, we looked at the Christmas story to find faith and hope in abundance in the first Christmas people’s lives. In the previous lessons, we found a deep belief in Mary as she accepted the words of the angel, and the shepherds showed us hope as they left their sheep to find the newborn king on that particular night. This week, we will look at the Christmas story to see the love found within it.
Christmas Lesson of Love
For our first glimpse of Christmas love, let’s look at the most well-known verse of the Bible, John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The light of love from that first Christmas appears as a babe in a lowly manger in a stable surrounded by farm animals. God loved us so much that He sent His son to redeem us from the darkness of sin and evil. Never has the world experienced such sacrificial love. And, God demonstrated a love that gives all for another without wanting anything in return.
Next, we see love come to earth in the form of a newborn baby. Jesus surrendered everything for us. He left His heavenly home where He sat at the right hand of His Father to come to a created world to suffer and die for us. Jesus went from divine perfection to experiencing colds, pain, betrayal, and loss. The Bible explains this in Philippians 2:6: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage.” Jesus gave us a shining example of providing love about everything else.
Sharing the Lessons
So this Christmas season, let us remember the lessons of faith, hope, and love. Christmas faith takes on a journey we never expected but for one that changes our lives dramatically. The hope of Christmas leads us to a manger and a newborn baby that offers us salvation from our sins. And, finally, the love of the season teaches us to give unconditionally and with a full heart. When we include these lessons in each Christmas, we reflect the light of that first star into those around us so they can know Christ is the reason for the season.
A Christmas Poem The holiday pies baking The stockings now hung The sweet smell of spice Floats up through our home The tree stands in the corner Decked with baubles and bows Presents wrapped brightly Await the Christmas morn Lights twinkle in the darkness The fire warmly glows Dreams of a holiday together Kissing beneath the mistletoe The manger awaits the baby The animals bellowing low The star shines the way brightly As the world waits below A royal birth is heralded By angel choirs on high Christ, the loving Savior Was born on Christmas nigh The joy on Christmas morning Is not from presents galore Our joy is the lowly birth Of the Savior of our soul I wish you a Merry Christmas Joy to the family far and near Christ’s Blessing upon you And peace in the coming year
May your Christmas be filled with Faith, Hope, and Love this year. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, fill our hearts with Your love for all of mankind. Help us to be mindful of the needs around us. Let our lives reflect Christmas love all year long. Thank you for the gifts of this season. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Blessings,
Yvonne M. Morgan is an author, blogger, and speaker.
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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