Christmas love brings to mind warm sentimental scenes created from movies. People are cozy and happy in television specials, getting along with everyone.
However, in real life, the Christmas season is not “the most wonderful time of the year” for some. It’s a time of loneliness for those who are grieving. It’s a time of sadness, or even pain, for those who haven’t had joyful Christmas memories.
The good news is that God provides the antidote for easing or erasing the pain the Christmas past.
His love for us is fierce and unconditional.
He gave us Jesus, who became like us, leaving the beauty of heaven and born in a smelly manger. The Son of God breathed our air and walked this earth. God gave us this gift because we need of a Savior.
God sent Jesus from His heart, created as one of us, to redeem our hearts from the darkness of sin.
God’s motivation was pure love, not obligation. It was totally selfless, given for our benefit.
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” 1 John 4:9 NIV
This great love is undeserved. We cannot earn it. But He loves us anyway.
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10 NIV
The world changed when love was born.
We will struggle with fear and loneliness if we look at the problems of our lives. Fear binds our hearts and minds with “what ifs” that may never happen.
When we look in the manger, we see love that drives out fear.
Are you worried about the future? Trust God.
Are you lonely? Look to God—He is Emmanuel—the God who is with you, no matter what.
Open your heart to receive God’s unconditional love in new way.
