"FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON..."
John 3:16
"...God so loved ...that He gave..." This was the first Christmas Gift. It is good to remember this every day but especially during this Christmas season. God loves us, and He gave His all to us, His Son. But knowing He loves us and actually accepting His love are two different things.
When I was growing up, in Chattanooga, Tennessee during the 1950's, my parents would always try to make Christmas special for us. I attempted the same thing with my children forty years later. The gift that my children truly wanted and talked about all year, that I couldn't afford, I would save up my money and sacrifice, so that they could have it on Christmas morning. I remember that there were times that I worked a second job to provide for them at this time of year. To see their joy as they walked into the living room and saw their presents, made me just as happy. But what if they kicked and trashed those gifts, and were ungrateful after my sacrifice to provide it for them?
Not accepting God's gift of Love can be a similar situation. But accepting His love means that we will trust Him. We realize that He does not mean to harm us. He only wants our good. He expects us to love Him, worship Him and be thankful in return.
Accept His love. Take a moment this Christmas season, and meditate on His Love for you. Feel His Love. Expect good things from Him.
Accept God's Gift - His Only Begotten Son - Jesus Christ - Emmanuel - God with us.
