Monday, December 26, 2011

It's Christmas Time

Christmas day. There is so much meaning behind it, so many memories, so many stories. So many ways to unravel a mystery. Christmas day celebrates the presentation and opening of the greatest gift of love the world has ever seen. It was God's final and greatest gift of Jesus. The gift that continues to give and give and give. Since the world had began God had been wooing and chasing the world. Loving us with the desire for us to love Him back. Step by step He took, bringing himself closer to us. With much resistance from us. Slowly we cave, as we see His love for us over and over. Then in a final act of complete sacrificial love, He sends His son. When what did we ever do for Him? And what did He ever want from us, but our love?

God's love for His people Isreal:
"The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying:

“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
I will build you up again,
and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt."

God's promise to his people:

"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this."

God's Love for the World"
"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"

God's Gift:
"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

A promise from Jesus:

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The beautiful beginning of a wonderful promise of love. A love that holds on. A love that is unfailing. A love that says I see you for who you are, and I will do what it takes to win you. And after that I will never leave you. Knowing all that He knows about us, He chooses us, and wants us to choose Him back. A love like that, how can we fathom it? Who can reject it?
Isn't it what we all long for? to be loved with a love like His? How exciting and humbling to know that we are <3

So let this Christmas time begin the unwrapping of His love for you.