“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
— Matthew 1:23 (KJV)
The coming of JESUS is the embodiment of one word: LOVE. GOD loved the world, filled with the humans HE created in HIS image, so much, that HE could not bear to see it shrouded in darkness. Thus, HE devised a plan for redemption. The story of this season—Christmas—is fundamentally one of love and mercy.
We were lost in sin, heading toward our doom. By ourselves, we could not help our situation and were often oblivious of our weakness and frailty. Yet GOD saw our plight and chose to help us, even though we never asked for it or recognized our desperate state.
Today, we celebrate the humility of GOD—the desire of GOD to be with HIS people. In this act, GOD demonstrated that HE is not only transcendent but also immanent; HE is deeply concerned about us and hasn’t left our clueless selves to ourselves. Some may argue that GOD is indifferent to HIS creation, but this profound act of love disproves that notion—GOD is love!
GOD came to dwell among us to teach us how to live according to HIS standards. At the time, the law had been distorted; each person had twisted it to suit their desires. The teachers of the law corrupted it and did not uphold it and hence the people fell in their sin. This distortion allowed satan a foothold in their lives, corrupting their very nature as the wages of sin piled up. JESUS came to set things right and realign our lives with GOD's original design.
What is particularly intriguing is the manner of HIS coming. Many would expect the KING of kings to arrive in grand style; instead, HE was born in humble circumstances—in the least of regions, to the least of parents, in a place devoid of nobility. Nothing about HIS arrival was extravagant. Clearly, GOD did not come for HIS own glory or to demand worship; HE came for us—to prove HIS deity through service rather than dominance.
Today, remember that GOD made the first move. HE demonstrated HIS love and continues to call you to accept this love into your life. HIS love is genuine and sincere—a love that seeks nothing but your true well-being.
JESUS is the reason for this season, the precious GIFT OF GOD to us. As we celebrate HIM today, let us share this true love story: a KING who loved HIS people so much that HE was willing to become one of them—to redeem them and bear the punishment they deserved because of their sins.
If you find yourself wandering or do not know JESUS personally, remember that HE never leaves anyone behind; HE desires everyone to come into HIS fold. You can join me in this prayer of surrender.
Dear LORD JESUS,
Thank you for coming to die for me. Today I acknowledge my weakness and frailty. That I have sinned and need YOU. I accept YOU today as my LORD and personal savior. Please take control of my life. Lead me and guide me forever even through YOUR HOLY SPIRIT in JESUS name.
Dear Father,
Thank YOU for the GIFT of JESUS. I am forever grateful and thankful that YOU thought of me and did for me what no one will ever do. Thank YOU for loving me.
