Love at Christmas seems so natural. There is that romanticized feeling that comes during this holiday that makes us feel cozy and sentimental. Nothing warms the heart more than watching children in their pajamas opening gifts by a Christmas tree. There are decorations everywhere and we often get gifts that we have longed for all year. Everyone is wishing one another good tidings. Family gatherings and fun parties are the norm in December. Yes, love at Christmas seems natural.
These feelings are wonderful, but is that what love at Christmas is all about?
GOD IS LOVE AND JESUS IS A MANIFESTATION OF THAT LOVE
So, HOW is Jesus a manifestation of God’s love?
Michael Novak once said:
“Love is not a feeling of happiness. Love is a willingness to sacrifice.”
The quote above defines the love of God for us in this Christmas season. We often think of the sacrifice of the Cross on Good Friday, but forget that the coming of our Lord and Savior was a great sacrifice as well. A fully divine being also becoming fully human.
SO, JUST WHAT DID JESUS SACRIFICE AT HIS BIRTH?
He left the glory of God, the Father.
He was Creator and now a baby needing sustenance from that very creation.
Not only was Jesus fully human, but at the lower end of the cultural and financial hierarchy.
Our Savior spent His “human” life escaping death until it was His time. It began when He was about two years old and the family escaped to Egypt to avoid King Herod’s ordered massacre of baby boys. (Matthew 2: 13-18) It continued during His ministry as the Pharisees and other religious leaders unremittingly persecuted Him. (Matthew 22: 15-40 and John 7:30)
Jesus lived knowing how His human life would end.
So, as we celebrate Christmas this year, reflect on how the great sacrifice of the Perfect Lamb began on this day. Focus at least part of your day on the true meaning of Christmas love.
Also, if you can think of more sacrifices Emmanuel (God with us) made, add them in the comment section below. I love it when people add to the post giving us all more to contemplate.
LOOKING FOR A MORE TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS BLOG? CHECK OUT SOME OF MY PREVIOUS CHRISTMAS POSTS:
Looking for a heartwarming event? Check out: A Christmas Miracle.
Are you sad this Christmas? Check out: Sad at Christmas.
Need some joy? Check out: Happily Ever After.
I also found an interesting post that teaches us more about Jesus’ birth: Historical Facts about Bethlehem.
