Love on Display
Devotional

Love on Display

December 25, 2023

Love on Display

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” 1 John 4:9

Many parents say there is nothing like the love they experienced when they first saw their newborn baby. The bond that is formed with the tiny child is instant and unique. Perhaps Mary had a similar experience when Jesus was born. But imagine how much more it was amplified. Not only did she stare into the eyes of her son but into the eyes of her Savior. Mary’s love for her newborn child was nothing compared to the love he had for her, and the love Christ has for us.

1 John 4:9 declares “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” At Christmas, God’s love for us is fully on display. Out of love, God sent his son to earth. In love, Jesus humbled himself to experience the things we do. In love he healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind, and welcomed the outcast.

Through his life, death, and resurrection Jesus not only showed us what love is but extended love to us in grace. God’s love is not dependent on us. It is unconditional, self-sacrificing and perfect. We rejoice at Christmas, because God’s love came down for us in the form of a baby.

As Mary held baby Jesus, and witnessed strangers worship him, it must have been overwhelming for the truth of who he was to sink in. Jesus was her son whom she loved. But, he was also her Savior and Lord, who became human out of his extraordinary love for her.

In the midst of the chaotic journey, giving birth in a stable, and shepherds arriving, it would have been easy for Mary to miss the significance of the moment. But Luke 2:19 says “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” She paused to cherish the magnitude of Jesus’ birth.

With all of our holiday festivities, it can be easy for us to forget the reason we celebrate. So this Christmas, I invite you to pause with Mary and cherish Jesus’ birth. Reflect on the magnitude of that event many years ago. Embrace the way God’s love radiates through the birth of our Savior and bask in his lavish love for you. As you do, ask God to show you ways to share his love with others.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, As we celebrate Christmas, we pause to thank you for your gift of unconditional love. We don’t deserve you, and yet you love us so much that you sent Christ for us. In the midst of our festivities, may we not forget that Jesus’ birth is the greatest gift of all. Let us bask in your unconditional love and let it flow out of our lives to those around us. It is in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Makalah Scholten
Spiritual Care Coordinator

P.S. Sign up to receive these devotions through email here.

Stay Connected

Stay up-to-date with all things Streams

Name

News

Related Articles

Planning in Pencil

October 4, 2024
Planning in Pencil
Devotional

Seasonal Rhythms

September 3, 2024
Seasonal Rhythms
Devotional

Sunrise Promises

July 2, 2024
Sunrise Promises
Devotional
Drag