Probably one of the most well known verses of the Bible is John 3:16, and in it, we find the reason for Christmas – God’s love. Because of His immense love, He gave us Jesus. Because of Jesus’ immense love for the Father, He gave Himself willingly.
He came to live the life we could never live (perfect and sinless) and to die in our place the death we all deserved so we could have the reconciliation with the Father and eternity with Him in heaven that we could have never attained.
God’s love was demonstrated by His giving. This is true of all of us – our love is truly seen by what we give. No, not necessarily presents or material things… what we give our time to, our priorities to, what we give our energy and creativity to, what we give our worship and our adoration, our conversation and our investment to… that is truly the reflection of what we love.
Let us look over our lives… what does our giving reflect about the true reality of what we love most? Sometimes we need honest self-evaluation to see that the love for ourselves, our comfort and our status is evidenced by what we give. Also, keep in mind that what we give is also measured by what we keep back or withhold. Give, withholding nothing from Him!
As we continue to turn our hearts towards Christmas, may we all be reminded afresh that the God Who gave His all to us out of His immense love deserves our giving our all to Him, not reluctantly or under compulsion, but fueled by the love that consumes us, for where would we be without the gift of Jesus? We love Him because He first loved us. We are honored to give to Him because He first gave to us. He is worthy of it all.
Prayer: Father, when I look at where I am giving my time, my resources, my conversation, my ability and my service, I can see areas where my love for You has been taken over by my love for me. Let my love be realigned. May I love You more than anyone or anything and may that be evidence in my giving. Thank You for loving me so immensely that You gave Jesus for me. I love You, Lord! Amen.
Rebekah Dawn 