“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.” (1 John 4:9 ESV)
Consider the word manifest: plain, open, clearly visible to the eye or obvious to the understanding; apparent; not obscure or difficult to be seen or understood. (Webster’s Dictionary, 1828)
When we apply this definition to our text we realize it’s saying: God made His love for us abundantly clear through the nativity story. We peer over the edge of the manger and all we see is love.God sent His son into our world; entrusted Him to a teenager and her new husband, so that we could see His love and learn to live through relationship with Him.
It’s been sung that love came down at Christmas, and it’s true. The heart of God beat soundly and loudly inside an infant’s chest and this baby would grow in wisdom and stature and ultimately go to the cross on our behalf. He loved us to death, my friends.
Jesus came to earth so we might know love firsthand and we would have opportunity to live in response to that love. So what is it? How do we reply to the level of affection that shed Heaven for the likes of us?
I don’t know about you, but joy builds up in my frame. I want to sing and give thanks and praise. I’m ready to rejoice as the shepherds did, wowed again by the news that God loves us enough to come to our rescue!
“I will rejoice and be glad in Your steadfast love, because You have seen my affliction; You have known the distress of my soul.” (Psalm 31:7 ESV)
Lord, today, we acknowledge the love that came to live with us at Christmas and always. You filled the manger and our hearts; a little Lord Jesus who grew up to do battle on our behalf. We love You, Lord. We worship You today and always. Amen.