The Love of Christmas

God loves us. This truth is foundational, Pastor Dave said, and he acknowledged that nothing he had to say about God’s love would be new to us. But he helped us slow down and bask in the wonders of God’s love as displayed at Christmas by explaining five expressions of God’s love in the Christmas story. I can do no better in the blog this week than to give you the Scripture passages Dave shared and encourage us all to take time this week (yes, even during this busy last week before Christmas) to reread and soak in these Scriptures and respond to the Lord in prayer.

>> In love, through Jesus, God offers peace and joy to people who are rebels, His enemies.
John 14:27 “my peace”
John 15:11 “my joy”
Colossians 1:21 alienated from God

>> Jesus came as a baby, weak and dependent, though by rights he could have come in power and glory. He entered the world through the birth canal, just like the rest of us. And that was the point. He can identify with us and represent us because he is like us.
Isaiah 9:6 child but Mighty God
Hebrews 2:17 made like us
Hebrews 4:15 able to sympathize

>> God offers mankind the gift of salvation, of eternal life. It is pure grace; we don’t deserve it.
John 4:10 living water
Romans 3:24 justified freely
Romans 5:15 God’s grace and gift
Ephesians 2:8 saved by grace

>> Jesus looked out for the interests of others, not his own. The rightful King became a servant, for us.
Philippians 2:4-8 he humbled himself
John 17:5 glory before the world began

>> Jesus was born to die on a cross for sinners. This was God’s redemptive plan, in place from the beginning.
Genesis 3:15 bruise head … heel
Hebrews 2:17 make propitiation
Romans 5:8 died for us
John 15:13 lay down his life for friends

Nothing can separate us from God’s love. (Romans 8:38-39) Let’s not take it for granted this week. Be amazed and stand in awe of His great love for us!

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert

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