Growing up with siblings who would not believe His story until after the resurrection, He Chose to Love! Preaching to men and women who would turn their back on Him, He chose to love! Discipling a group of misfits who constantly misspoke, He chose to love! Calling as one of “The Twelve,” “the One” who would betray Him, He chose to love! Dying for the iniquities of sinful mankind, He chose to love!

“I lay down My life for the sheep.”

John 10

This is unmerited, deep, deep LOVE!

Do you know that love?

“…[Jesus] loves us and has freed us from our sins…”

Revelation 1:5, NLT

“…And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

John 14:21

“…just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,”

Ephesians 5:25, NASB

“…just as I have loved you…”

John 13:34

“…I also have loved you…”

John 15:9

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”

John 15:13

Thank you, Jesus, come down to earth, born in a stable, live a simple, sinless life. These words, “Thank you” sound so trite. And especially when placed next to the cross, the merciful sacrifice of a criminal’s death for the sins of the world. This is more than I can fathom! No better gift can ever be given! Thank you, Jesus!

Relish in all that Christmas means for those who have received this special gift and choose to love!