“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16
God has always loved giving gifts.
He gave Adam Eve.
He gave Noah an escape plan.
He gave Abraham a son.
He gave Isaac a wife.
He gave Moses the Ten Commandments.
He gave the children of Israel the Promised Land.
He gave Samson strength.
He gave Gideon a sign.
He gave Ruth a new Husband.
He gave David a Kingdom.
He gave Solomon wisdom.
He gave Jonah a second chance.
He gave Elijah a lift (think fiery chariot…).
So, it should come as no surprise when we read in John 3:16, “God so loved the world that He gave…” We are not shocked that God loved, after all 1 John 4:8, says “God is love.” It’s kind of His thing. And we are not stunned to learn that He gave. We’ve all given little gifts to those we love on special occasions. The bombshell is not that He loved, or that He gave, but what He gave and how much He loved. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.”
If God wanted us to know that He loved us, He could’ve have written it in a card or in the sky for that matter; but, He didn’t. He could’ve composed the most beautiful song ever written and filled the earth with music; but, He didn’t. He could’ve healed every disease and cured every sickness; but, He didn’t. If God wanted to show us His love, He could’ve opened up the treasures of heaven and poured out gold and gifts galore; but, He didn’t do that either. Instead, He gave something more tangible than a card, more beautiful than a song, more comforting than a cure and much more valuable than gold. He gave us His Son.
I can’t imagine the love God must have for us. Because He gave us Jesus, completely aware of how it would end. As the angels sang to shepherds, God knew Jesus would one day be called “The Lamb of God”. As Christ was born to a carpenter, God knew that one day His Son would die on a wooden cross. God knew the Baby that was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a borrowed manger would one day be wrapped in linen and placed in a borrowed tomb. God knew, and yet, He gave.
Prayer: God thank you for loving me enough to give Your Son. I confess I am not worthy of the Gift, and yet I receive Him with joy! As I give and receive gifts this Christmas season, may I hold Your Gift above all others.
Chris Moore
Youth Pastor
Johns Creek Baptist Church
2 Comments. Leave new
What a great perspective on the package…
I thank you for the thought, and I thank Him for the Gift!
I love this! It’s so beautiful and so true, of course. Thank you.