Christmas, a Story of Love

The reason why Jesus came here on earth to us, is because of love. His Father so loved us that He found us suitable to be a bride for His Son.

He left the heavens and its beauty, said goodbye to His Father, and started on a journey to earth, by means of the virgin Mary. He loved us enough to pay the ultimate price, to hang on that tree naked, for it was the only way to clean us. He took our shame, our guilt, our curse. He, who knew no sin, became sin, just for us.

At that moment, the Father turned His head away, and darkness covered the earth. It wasn’t easy, and that’s why, prior to that, Jesus had asked the Father to take away this cup from Him. But, because of the deep love for us, He obeyed the will of the Father. The Father knew the pain that His Son was about to be subjected to, emotionally, psychologically and physically. He sent an angel from heaven to come and strengthen Him. It wasn’t easy. He even sweated blood, while praying. If we should ask ourselves “How much am I valued?”, the price Jesus paid for us explains it fully.
Some years ago, I asked one of our Young People’s Team to draw Jesus’ palm, with a big nail piercing through it and blood gashing out. I had this on the back of my hoodie, with the wording ‘I know I’m Loved’, John 3:16. I used to wear it with pride on the streets, knowing those behind me were reading it.

Jesus loved us as we were, and died to transform us. Now we’re engaged to be married to Him. He went to prepare a place for us, before becoming our husband. So, there’s a magnificent place awaiting us. We’re going to become its owners once we say “Yes, I do”, on the big day of the marriage of the lamb. ‘The marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints’ (Revelation 19:7-8). The big question is, are we keeping ourselves ready for Him?

As we begin to prepare for Christmas, let’s remember it’s because Someone fell in love with us. It’s because a Son was obedient to the Father, and it’s because you and I are special and precious before Him. Christmas is a story of love. We’re part of the story.
Our Christmas gift is, the Son, who was given to us. With outstretched arms let’s receive this gift, the gift of salvation, and treasure it. ‘He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?’ (Romans 8:32).

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for all You went through for me. Thank You for the gift of salvation. I’m forever grateful. In Jesus’ name I pray and believe, Amen.