LOOKING FORWARD TO LOVE
John 1:14–18; 3:14–18
Where would any of us be without love? Love is not only good; Scripture says it is the greatest thing. Genuine love is sustaining and filled with hope. Love is essential to the gospel narrative. Without God’s remarkable love, we would never know Him or His offer of salvation. The mercy and grace we experience extend and express His redeeming love.
It is because of Christ’s great love for sinful mankind that He willfully came and dwelt among us. The word “love” seems too small to encapsulate the full measure of its meaning. As users of the English language, we employ the word “love” to describe how we feel about both a favorite menu item and our spouses. The love Christ bestows upon us is beyond anything we can describe.
The glory of God is seen in Jesus’ presence among us. (1:14–15)
It is customary when a new family moves into your neighborhood to welcome them with a brief visit and perhaps a gift of some kind. With the arrival of Jesus on that first Christmas Day, God was announcing that He was now moving into our neighborhoods to dwell with us. The reason? To reveal His glory for all humanity to see and receive.
It is a challenge to fully appreciate what others experienced in the days when Jesus walked the earth. The people had Jesus at their fingertips, but many did not fully receive Him. He could be seen in the temples and marketplaces and anywhere people were located. As Emmanuel, He fulfilled the name “God with us.”
The grace of God is extended to us through Jesus. (16–18)
These verses indicate a powerful truth and reminder for the Church to consider. Our world does not currently have Christ’s physical presence among us, but we have something that can change the world: His grace through us! The love of Jesus and His ministry did not end when He ascended to the Father.
While we may be tempted to become discouraged or even pessimistic about the darkness in our world, let us not forget that Jesus tells us to be the light in our society. If our communities are having difficulty seeing the love of Jesus, it isn’t the fault of Jesus; it’s the Church.
The love of God is evident in the gift of His Son Jesus. (3:14–18)
Often called “the gospel in a nutshell,” these verses are near and dear to the hearts of all believers everywhere. The thrust of these verses can be debated but one thing is clear. By sending His Son, God the Father is declaring His remarkable love for each of us. There is simply no better gift He could offer than that of a Savior and sacrifice for our sins. It is the greatest need for all of humanity.
Why would He give His only Son to a world that is broken, wicked and sinful? It brings Him glory, it gives us hope and it is an everlasting gift of His love for us.
If you ever wonder if God loves you, go back to the cross and to the manger, and you will be reminded what true love looks like.
I sincerely pray that each of you reading these words knows that you are loved with an everlasting love. Merry Christmas!
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
