Holidays

A Love That Gives

by Rev. Dr. R.J. Lightsey 
12/08/15
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A Love That Gives

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16, KJV)

 We are now in the “holiday” season. More specifically, we are a few weeks away from Christmas – the holiday many people acknowledge and recognize by giving gifts to family and friends. In the worldly tradition, Christmas is synonymous with shopping, grand dinners, office parties, decorations, and time off from work. However, there is a great difference if we approach and celebrate this “holiday” season in recognition of and appreciation for what God did for mankind.

 In reference to John 3:16, we see that God “so loved” that He gave all He had for the sole benefit of those who would graciously receive His gift. The word “so” is an adverb and in this context it modifies the past tense verb “loved.” It tells us the degree to which God loved us. That degree moved Him to action – not only to give a Gift, but to give a Gift of ultimate sacrifice. God gave all He had. He gave the only Gift that would permit and allow mankind to inherit and forever possess eternal life. If we don’t grasp the thought that God gave us exactly what we needed and could not provide for ourselves, we remain lost and empty.

 It is by receiving God’s Gift that mankind moves from hopelessness to hope and from despair to abundant life. The reward for receiving His Gift is immeasurable and priceless. But yet, and most important of all, the Gift is easily and readily accessible. We don’t have to “shop around,” but simply seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and everything we need for sustainability and abundant living will also be ours – all because God loved so much that He gave exactly what we needed (Matthew 6:33).   

 As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, (our Lord and Savior), may we present Him to others as the Gift needed to experience happiness, joy, and peace. And as we interact with family and friends through the sharing of material gifts, let’s remember (and never forget) to give because of love – not because of expectation, ritual, or tradition. It’s all about a love that gives and a gift that is freely received without expecting a “payback gift” in return. There is truth in the saying “love isn’t love until you give it away.