The Greatest Gift
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever so believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”- John 3:16
It all adds up! Last week was my birthday. Beyond the obvious of getting another year older (the candles are getting increasingly harder to blow out), I was overwhelmed from the outpouring of love. I was deeply moved by each card, text/call, and social media post, all being capped off by the church family singing “Happy Birthday” to me. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all who sent birthday blessings my way.
On my special day of being showered with love, one gift shined brightest. Multiple times that morning, my daughter stopped what she was doing to give me a birthday hug and say, “I love you daddy!” Her loving affirmation warmed my heart up in every way (I became Papa Puddle). What I received from my daughter is a reminder of how constant the love of God is towards us. In 1 John 3:1 we are told, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
As we get ready to welcome December and be warmed up by the many Christmas festivities this special season brings, may we be met by the FATHER’S FOREVER LOVE, that came in the FULLNESS OF JESUS! After such a difficult and different year for so many (i.e.- Covid, Politics, Inflation, Personal Loss), we could all use the gift of love, joy, and peace.
- Despite so many changes, know that God’s love never changes!
- Despite the size of your challenges, know that Christ came to bring you light and life!
- Despite the chaos in our world, know that the Christmas miracle still delivers peace!
It may not be your birthday and I do not have a card or cake, but I do have a Season’s Greeting, that will fill you up and do you good. It is a message that undoes lies, calms the storms, confirms faith, and speaks value over you. In Jeremiah 31:3 the Lord says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” As the sounds of Christmas come in its many forms (bells, carols, and greetings), may you keep hearing the Father speak love over you and keep opening to the gift of Jesus all month long and beyond!