Jesus welcomed the people, taught them about the Kingdom of God and healed those in need. Luke 9:11
Testimony
I was there for a faceoff with God...to say to Him that I have tried but You were silent. Now I will die and it will be Your fault God. You ignored my cries....but God showed up and saved my life..... Read More...

Seeds of the Kingdom

Love Christmas

by Malcolm Wood

21 December 2015

« Previous Day | Next Day »

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.

A garden centre near us is currently enticing would-be customers into their store with a seasonal display at their entrance, which includes imitation frost on the grass, hedges and bushes, alongside two large signboards with the words ‘Love Christmas’.

As Christians, whatever one’s view of when, or how, the coming of Christ into this world should be acknowledged, it is, I believe, an event that warrants celebrating. When we stop to think about it, it’s remarkable indeed that God, the Holy One, in the form of His Son Jesus, should come into the world as a human being. The Bible makes it quite clear that God’s motivation for doing this was love. In a verse, familiar to so many, it affirms that ‘God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son’ (John 3:16).

Love is God’s very nature, for ‘God is love’(1 John 4:8). And Jesus came to demonstrate love in a practical way, as He helped and healed so many of those He met, while here on earth. This amazing love for all was ultimately so powerfully demonstrated by His dying on the cross at Calvary.

Yes, love is the very essence of what we know as the Christmas period, not the love of the season or the shopping, or the festivities, (as the signs at our garden centre would tend to imply), but the love of God. When, or however, we choose to celebrate the coming of Jesus into the world as God’s gift, Saviour for all those who will accept Him, may we all experience a fresh awareness and a deeper appreciation of His love.

As the world, for whatever reasons, loves or hates Christmas, let those of us, who’ve been touched by a personal experience of God’s love in our own lives, take every opportunity we can, in these challenging days, to share with others something of the love of God. ‘Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other’ (1 John 4:11).

Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead,
Love incarnate, love divine,
Worship we our Jesus:
But wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token,
Love shall be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and to all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.

(Christina Rossetti 1830-1894)

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for loving me so much. Please help me to share Your love with others, not just at Christmas, but throughout the year. Amen.

Malcolm Wood and his wife Anna became part of the Ellel family as House Managers at Ellel Grange in 1990. Since then they have been involved with many aspects of the developing Ministry. From 2001 until 2015 they were Directors of Ellel Scotland where they hosted several International Schools and Operation Blairmore and helped pioneer the exciting Creative Inspiration Weeks. They have three sons.

 

Sign Up Now

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship. Provided full acknowledgement is made to Seeds of the Kingdom as the source, you are also welcome to use it in a non-commercial way and reproduce it in magazines or other Christian websites. The copyright for any commercial use of the material remains with Ellel Ministries International.

Forgiveness is key to the restoration of our relationship with God and to healing from the consequences of hurtful, damaging human relationships. From the Cross, Jesus prayed these dramatic words to God, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what...
Wrongful control spoils relationships and seriousl...
Are pills and medication really God’s best for dealing with our emotional state? Should we simply accept the world’s wisdom that our emotions are controlled by chemicals in our brain and body? This compelling and unbiased read doesn’t condemn those...
Whilst the world’s critical attention is focused...
Peter Horrobin uses real-life testimonies, parables and illustrations to unlock some of the most difficult theological and life issues that often make us stumble through our Christian walk. This 18-part DVD series is an inspirational whistle-stop tour...
Faith that endures stands as the most comprehensive and authoritative guide on the persecuted Church today. Through true stories from the author’s many years of work, you will see how God is building His kingdom all around the world. And as you become...
Based on years of proven experience and scholarly insight, the author gives fresh perspectives on the essence of New Testament leadership. On of the best books on Leadership – not only within the Church, but in every day Christian life and workplace....
After decades of ministering to the needs of the hurting, ranging from severe mental health issues to physical healing, Fiona has learnt powerful principles of intercession and healing. In this essential book, she conveys her passion that the healing...
Fully backed up by scripture and using examples of...
This unique devotional book is written by Christians who have been persecuted. They encourage us as we share in the joy and delight of people who have experienced what persecution is and how God is very present when the going gets tough. Features more...