In our first two messages this month, we explored the Christmas story deeper and found faith and hope in abundance. So far, we witnessed Mary’s deep faith as she accepted the words of the angel. Then we watched the shepherds as they showed hope as they left their sheep to find the newborn king on that holy night. Now, this week, we will continue to look in depth at the Christmas story to see the love on display.
Christmas Lesson of Love
For the first sign of Christmas love, we will look at one of the most well-known verses 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.” This verse shows us how the light of love from that first Christmas appeared 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 in history has the world experienced such sacrificial love. And God’s love gave all for us, only wanting our hearts in return.
Sacrificial Love
Also, we see love come to earth as a newborn baby. Jesus also surrendered everything for us. He left His heavenly home and His place at the right hand of His Father to come to a created world. Christ suffered and died for us. Jesus gave up His divine perfection to endure illness, pain, betrayal, and loss. The Bible says 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 another powerful example of unconditional love that gives above everything else.
Sharing the Lessons
During this Christmas season, let each of us ponder these lessons of faith, hope, and love. Christmas faith takes on a journey we never expected, but one that transforms our lives. Then 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 meditate on these lessons and put them into practice each Christmas, we reflect the light of that first star and shine into those around us so they can know Christ is the reason for the season.
A Gift for You
May Christ fill our Christmas 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 be mindful of the surrounding needs. Let our lives reflect Christmas love all year long. Thank you for the gifts of this season. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
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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Good morning, Yvonne,
On a trip to Israel last spring, my wife and I were on a tour that stopped at the Siloam Pool, another one besides Bethesda where Jesus healed. The guide indicated that, although there is no specific Biblical reference, the Siloam Pool history of healing before Jesus’s development as a baby is located about 200′ from Mary’s grandmother’s house. Mary surely visited her grandmother often and knew all too well of the healing that happened at that pool. The inference is Mary likely understood better than most virgin girls the influence of God at this site and made it easier for Mary to acquiesce to the Angel’s prompting.
Thank you Warren. Merry Christmas
Beautiful Christmas poem, Yvonne. Wonderful post!
Thank you Pricilla. Merry Christmas
The love of Jesus that led to His sacrifice is the best gift only He could offer and the best gift we could ever receive. Praise God for His Son! Merry Christmas to you and your family, Yvonne!
He is the best gift ever. Merry Christmas to you and your family Stephen.
Thank you for the reminder of God’s love for us at Christmas by sending His Son Jesus to die in our place. I wasn’t familiar with the verse from Philippians in the NIV, and actually like how it phrases that Jesus didn’t consider His deity something to use for His own advantage. He used it to show us love. Have a Merry Christmas and bask in God’s love this season.
Thanks so much Joanna. I like reading different versions of verses. Merry Christmas
Yvonne, I like how you bring out love is connected to Jesus. It’s not just a feeling that the Who’s feel at Christmas! Have a blessed holiday.
So very true Debbie. Merry Christmas
Thank you for sharing the beautiful poem. Merry Christmas to you and your family! 🙂
Merry Christmas to you and your Melissa.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a healthy, happy, and blessed New Year.
Merry Christmas and happy New Year Katherine
Amazing love, amazing grace! I pray the stories of Christ’s sacrifices to pay for our sins and win us for heaven will never grow old. Beautiful message! Merry Christmas to you and your family, Yvonne!
Merry Christmas to you and your family Melissa and thank you for
Merry Christmas, Yvonne, and what a beautiful poetic reflection. I appreciate you!
Thanks so much Jessica. Merry Christmas 🎁. You are a blessing
Yvonne this has been a great series and your poem is so beautiful. A much needed message for Christmas!
Thanks so much Karen. I hope you had a Merry Christmas.