Celebrate God’s Gift to All

Baby Jesus, born of a virgin, laid in a manger.  A bright host of angels anouncing his birth to grubby shepherds out in a field as they watched over their flock of sheep.  A bright unusual star moving across the sky leading a group of astrologists to see the baby who was predicted to be a king.

“God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.  God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.”  John 3:16-17

To think of the wonder of God’s love for us!  Shown to us in this amazing earthy way, brought to lowly people.  A teenage girl who in that culture could have been stoned to death for being found pregnant.  A group of shepherds rather than men in esteemed positions.  Foreigners who watched for signs in the stars.  The gift of God’s love is for everyone.  Jesus came to save us all from our lost sinful hopeless condition.

He told Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader, about his purposes and how he had come from heaven to earth to save those who put their faith in him.  His is a spiritual kingdom.  He said that the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven as a second, spiritual birth, to believers.

In order to accomplish salvation for mankind he knew that he would have to lay down his life, and he knew how that would happen.  He said to Nicodemus, “I, the Son of Man, must be lifted up on a pole, so that everyone who believes in me will have eternal life.” John 3:14-15.

By his death he conquered death and sin and darkness, and arose from the grave in victory!  Although we all have to go through physical death, we can have eternal spiritual life through Jesus.

Over the past week I have learned of the deaths of several people who hoped in Jesus and departed this earthly life in anticipation to their eternal home which Jesus promised to prepare for them.  Although they will be missed here on earth, we need not grieve in despair, but rejoice that they have gone to their heavenly homes where there is no more sadness or sickness or sin.

“There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you.  If this were not so, I would tell you plainly.  When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”  John 14:2-3

God with us!  The Holy Spirit born in us!  Not only for now here on earth, but for eternity!  What a gift!  Thank you Jesus, we love you!