John 3:16-17: “For God so the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
The term love is used frequently these days. We love a new hair style. We love chocolate. We love that new adorable puppy or kitten. Even when used appropriately love can be viewed in different ways. I love you if… I love you because… I love you in spite… So many attachments to this word and expression. When God said He loved the world it was so much deeper than any surface “like”. It was a selfless, all in Love. It was and is a love without attachments like I love you if or because. God’s love for us as seen through Jesus was the deepest love known to man. This love is defined by the fact that gave His Son to die for us though we were filthy dirty sinners who were much like a helpless baby, we could not even come close to a relationship with our sinless Savior. God’s love didn’t and doesn’t condemn, but it brings life and light to our dark lives. If I put a one-word tag on Christmas it would be LOVE because God loved us enough to send His only begotten Son so that we might have eternal life. We can’t be good enough to earn it or do enough acts of kindness. It is a gift to an undeserving people. I am thankful that when He said whoever, my name was a part of that list and so is yours.
Your post reminded me of that old Charles Wesley hymn, “And Can It Be.” This stanza in particular played in my head:
He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
Wow, what amazing love!!!!