Love Gave

Over many years, I have collected, and have been given, nativities from around the world. Last week I had the joy of using my largest one, ironically, in a barn. The church, that I frequently attend, uses that barn for various events, and has room for a large display. While thinking about the design, I felt impressed to look in my basement and use items I already possessed. Discovering a couple of decorations that would work great with the nativity backdrop of the three artificial lit trees, a Scandinavian style of white and wood ornaments emerged with the theme of “Love Gave”.

This theme came directly from a verse we all know, John 3:16-17, “For God so LOVEd the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” As a kid, we just memorized verse 16, but verse 17 is the other half of the coin, so to speak, and the two make up one concept, of HOW God loved.

Many religions both Catholic and Protestant, and famous theologians like Jonathan Edwards in his sermon “In The Hands Of An Angry God” (click here to read more on Amazon), have taught that God is love. However, they also teach that either you obey God or He’ll kill you in hell forever. Does that sound like love? Would a loving God keep His child alive so He could burn that child in hell forever? They teach that God is arbitrary, vengeful, unforgiving and severe. But is He?

What does verse 17 say? “For God did NOT send His Son into the world to CONDEMN the world, BUT that the world through Him might BE SAVED.” The same idea is in Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

But wait, what happens to those who DO walk according to the flesh? Romans 1:24,26,28 simply says He “gives them up.” God died for their freedom to choose Him or not. The consequences of the choices that the wicked have made result in death. The inhabiting of those sinful choices can not exist in the glory or light of God, and they will be consumed Psalm 37:20. Furthermore, “‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’” Ezekiel 33:11

These verses can sound morbid if you just skim over them, however, let me encourage you to listen to the heart of God. The great news of Christmas is that God loved you so much that He became a baby, and went through hell (eternal separation from Father God), so you don’t have to!! What an amazing reality to celebrate!

So, this Christmas as you meditate on the birth of Jesus, remember HOW God loves you. He came as a baby to give you heaven, not hell. And, He has great plans for you Jeremiah 29:11. Talk with Him and find out what they are.

In the midst of the festivities, lights, and decorations, may you experience the love of God in a new and deeper way. I pray you will receive God’s gift of love and give it to others. This holiday season, may you be blessed and be a blessing In Jesus Name! Go forth bold, blessed, brilliant, and favored! Subscribe and comment below.