Scripture: 1 John 4:13-14 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.
Devotion: When we think about the Christmas story, we think about the angels, wisemen, shepherds, Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. And while these are all important and notable parts, we need to recognize the “why” behind their importance. Ultimately, Jesus’ birth was an act of great love by God.
1 John 4:9-14 says, “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. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.”
Out of His unfailing and unending love, God sent His son to conquer sin and death by being obedient to death on a cross. And in order for that death to mean something, Jesus had to live the life of perfect and personal obedience that you and I never could. So, He was born as a baby, the perfect summation of God’s incredible love for His people. We don’t just celebrate the birth of child, but rather we celebrate that entirety of the plan of redemption that God has. God’s faithfulness and the story of redemption unfolded when love came down at Christmastime.
Reflect:
- Redemption was always God’s plan. What does it mean to you that the Lord’s love for you is so great that He has an overarching plan to redeem you from your sin?
- Thank God that He was willing to send His Son to this earth on our behalf.