Merry Christmas! (2020)

“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.”
-1 John‬ ‭4:9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Merry Christmas! Today is a day of celebration! As we spent the past 24 days (or more) remembering and rehearsing the anticipation of Christ's first advent, we now celebrate the Savior who was born. Today is a day of feasting and joy, for we know the rest of the story. We who have trusted in Jesus have received the greatest gift ever given to anyone on earth—the love of God.

In Christ's coming the love of God was made manifest among us. God's act of sending Jesus to the earth was the visible manifestation of the Father's love to us. Love is more than a feeling. It is action. And God acted! He didn't just tell us He loved us. He didn't just say He felt love toward us. He showed His love to us! And this love came to underserving sinners like you and me. God is love, and He shared Himself with us in Immanuel—God with us.

God sent his only Son into the world. He came to us in His Son. He didn't make us climb the ladder of good deeds, religious sacrifices, or sinless perfection. Who could actually do that? Don't you remember what happened in Babel? Haven't you read of Israelites who thought their law-keeping could get them to heaven?

We always fail. Every time. Epically.

Sometimes we praise ourselves with pats on the backs and religious trophies. At other times, we simply beat ourselves up with self-pity and self-hatred. But God already knew that and gave us a better way. He took the initiative and came to us. It's  far better to give than to receive. Yet, salvation requires that we receive a free gift without any sort of payment on our part.

Jesus came so we might live through him. He didn't come to be a good teacher, though He was that. He didn't come to give us more rules to follow—in fact, He gave us the spiritual essence of God's law in two great commandments. Though He is no less than a good example for us, He is even far more than that.

Jesus is a Savior. He came that we might have "life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). That sort of life is more than Christmas gifts. It's more than a nice, comfortable Christian existence. It's more religious liberty in a Christianized nation. Most Christians have never experienced that, nor will they ever have that luxury. Most importantly, He gave us eternal life (John 3:16).

Even as 2020 came crashing down on us, the candle of our security in Christ never flickered. When job security, health, relationships, and everything else are in upheaval, a mighty fortress is our God (Psalm 46)! Why? Because Jesus is here! Herod couldn't stop Him. Pilate couldn't either. His earthly enemies couldn't crush Him. Neither could Caesar. Not even sin, death, or Satan could phase Him. Jesus is more powerful. He is victorious. He is the Savior.

Merry Christmas from Dwell With Christ! Enjoy food, family, and fun. But most importantly, enjoy the love of God made manifest in Christ Jesus!

Photo by Dominika Gregušová from Pexels