John 15:9-12 9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."
As Christmas approaches in just a few more days, let us focus on the real reason we celebrate this holy-day. The reason isn't about Santa Claus, a decorated tree, or house. It isn't about the gifts we buy or receive on Christmas morning. It isn't about family gatherings and delighting yourself on all the Christmas fare.
Though all those things are pleasant and they bring us happiness, the real reason for the season began in a lowly and humble birth of a child who was proclaimed by the angel who told a small group of shepherds that Christ the long awaited Messiah - the Savior - had come. And He came to save the world (mankind) of their sins.
But it was all out of God's great love for humanity that He sent Jesus from the glories and riches of heaven to earth in human flesh and dwelt among man, always pointing to to the Father.
Love as Jesus mentions to His disciples, is a love that is much more than a philia kind of love that is a friendship kind of love. This love is a holy kind of love. The Greek word used in this context is agape. It is an expression of love that is more than just a human emotion or kindred love we may have for family, friends, or a spouse.
Jesus starts of by saying, “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love." He is describing this agape kind of love and how we are to abide in this love.
He also said that our joy may be full in this abiding love. But He also commands us to love one another, just as He loves us.
As we look back in time, when Christ was born in that animal pen in Bethlehem, God's greatest gift was found in Him. It was His love, wrapped in swaddling cloths that ushered in His great love for all mankind.
The joy that we have is from this great love for us through Jesus Christ. Let us never take it for granted or shrug it off like a human emotion. But let us keep our joy and abide in God's great love all the days of our lives.
Blessings and Merry Christmas,
Tom
Comments