"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (NIV)
God sent His Son to be born of the Virgin Mary, knowing what Jesus would have to go through so much suffering, before His death on the cross. Just so we would have eternal life. That is love.....God's love. And when when i think of the countless blessings the He generously gives us, it is so overwhelming. God IS love.
I know how protective & defensive that i am about my boys. Can you really imagine giving your child to go through what Jesus went through for us. I don't think i could. I would die for my boys & i would die for God, but to know that my boys would have to suffer like Jesus did, i just don't think that i could do that. But God loved us that much!
I'm reminded of the story of Abraham & his son Isaac. God tested Abraham by telling him to take Isaac up on a mountain & sacrifice him to God. The next day, that's exactly what Abraham did. He even got so far as to bind Isaac & lay him on the sacrificial altar. He even had a knife poised to kill his son. But just in the nick of time, an angel appeared & stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son.
"Abraham looked up & there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over & took the ram & sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham call that place 'The Lord Will Provide...."
Genesis 22:12-14a (NIV)
God not only provides for our needs, He forgives us of our sins. He gives us the peace that passes all understanding. He offers us eternal life! This type of love can never be measured, it can only be felt. This is the love of our Heavenly Father! God IS love! He loves each & every one of us, His children.
This Advent Season, ask God to fill your heart with His love. His love for all mankind. And as you get ready to face the busy last two weeks before Jesus' birthday, remember to reflect Gods' love to those you meet. you don't know what that person may be going through. Wish them a Merry Christmas & give them a smile that is filled with God's love.
Week 3 Advent Challenge:
This week, write your own prayer list for God's love to be revealed -- to yourself, people you know, in your local area, in world situation, etc.
Jesus, whose love for the world was so great, you were prepared to die for it, we thank You for your sacrificial mission, which started at your birth. We offer up our prayers for your love to be shown abundantly to each & every heart. Amen.
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