In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. —1 John 4:10 ESV
I love the Christmas season; I love that it is both busy and relaxing at the same time (that might be just for me, though!). A time to meet up with families and friends, and if we can, put aside some of the worries and anxieties that surround us and focus on the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ.
However, the birth of Jesus is just the beginning of the exceptional story. Because if Jesus had not been born, there would not have been the sacrifice on the cross and most of all the resurrection. The death and resurrection of Jesus is what gives us direct access to our Heavenly Father. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6 (ESV)
God sent His great love down to us in the person of Jesus Christ and proved that it was for everyone by putting the baby Jesus in the manger, where He would be accessible to all. In the manger, he was accessible to the shepherds and the kings from the east. Jesus is still accessible to all today; therefore, no one has an excuse for not knowing and accepting Him.
When Jesus started His ministry, He exuded love through grace and compassion for the lost, the rich, the destitute, the dejected, and the sick. No one was off limits to our LORD. “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” Acts 10:38 (ESV)
Jesus is the model of love for us to follow. That same love needs to be seen in us towards those who know Christ and those who are yet to know Him.
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him…Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:7-9, 11 (ESV)
This festive time is a ideal time to show love to others, although not only during this season but always, just as God continuously showers His love on us.
Stay blessed and Happy New Year!
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 