Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 21, 2020
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23…Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. Because of this, the love of God is a reality among us: God sent His only Son into the world so that we could find true life through Him. 1 John 4:8-9, The Voice
Love came down from heaven in baby Jesus on Christmas morning, so love could lift all lives on earth to be born again from above. Love came down from heaven to defeat the enemies of sin, Satan and death with the weapons of faith, hope and love—with the greatest defender being love. Love came down to trample with the feet of humility and faith, the idols of pride and unbelief. Love came down from God, as God, to show us God—the most profound proof of love.
Mary conceived the Christ child by the Holy Spirit in her womb, and gave birth to the One to be called Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). God who is love came to live and die among His beloved creation, so all could see, hear, touch and trust the One, Jesus, who came to love loudly. The hands of this baby would tenderly touch those tormented by disease and heal them from their enflamed physical condition. The feet of this baby would walk among those suffering from hunger and feed them with His generous provision. The words of this baby would speak grace and truth to thirsty souls and satisfy them with His abundant life. The sacrifice of this baby would lead to death on a cross, so everyone who believed could be forgiven by His love.
“The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35).
Has love pierced your heart in the person of Jesus Christ? Here’s how you know: you will love others in the same manner God loves you—with forgiveness, kindness and faithfulness. You know your heart is full of God’s love when you love what He loves: His beloved Son Jesus, and His beloved children who follow Him. Christ’s love compelled Him to “seek and to save the lost”, so in the same way the Lord’s love in your heart compels you to seek out those who need a savior and lovingly show them the way. God is among you—is His love overflowing from your heart?
Christmas is the best time of year to slow down and reflect on the life that is truly life. A life full of God’s love. How do we remain in His love and not run ahead flailing around in unnecessary activity? Manage our calendar in a manner that reflects a life managed by our Master Jesus. A life led by the Holy Spirit prays more, thinks more, does less—and accomplishes more. The Lord’s love seeps into the margins of life and then oozes out delightfully tasty to all we encounter. Learn the lyrics of love by listening over and over to the words of our Savior’s love song for our soul. We know we are loved and we love well when the harmony of heaven hums louder than this noisy, rude world. On Christmas love came down, so Jesus could lift us up!
“I waited patiently for God to help me; then he listened and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out from the bog and the mire, and set my feet on a hard, firm path, and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, of praises to our God. Now many will hear of the glorious things he did for me, and stand in awe before the Lord, and put their trust in him” (Psalm 40:1-3, LB).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for being perfect love and showing me your love through your perfect son and my savior Jesus, in His name I pray.
Application
How can I change my calendar to reflect more the heart of God’s love for me and others?
Related Reading
Isaiah 9:6-7, 61:1-3; John 1:14, 8:42; Ephesians 2:14-18; 2 Peter 1:4
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