So Loved

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. – (John 3:16, NIV)

Yes, God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him would not be lost but have eternal life. – (John 3:16, ERV)

For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction but will have everlasting life. – (John 3:16, VOICE)

As a mom to two sons by birth and two more by marriage, I cannot even begin to fathom giving one of them to save others. I love and care for people, but not more than my own family. God’s sacrifice was to provide the opportunity for eternal life, and some still refuse to receive what is freely given. The love of God is an incredible gift that we can choose to receive. It is a gift that we cannot earn, and it lasts forever. When we become parents, we have an beautiful love for our children that overwhelms. From the moment of knowing they exist, the desire to protect, care for, and love floods our hearts and minds. The way we love our children is the closest comparison that we can make, yet it pales when measured next to God’s love for us all. Evidence of His love is all around us, and I imagine that He grants us strong bonds of love with others so that we can begin to understand the depth and breadth of His love for each of us. May we receive readily what is freely given, and ever praise Him for the gift of life that we can embrace through His one and only Son.

The love of the Lord,

Far beyond what’s known;

Jesus’ sacrifice,

A glimpse of glory shown.

Depth we can’t fathom,

Through our human ways;

A love that gives all,

Throughout all of our days.

May we ever praise,

The Lord God above;

Seek revelation,

To understand His love.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You does not even begin to express the depth of our gratitude for the gift that You have freely given for all. Thank You that Your love is not something that we can somehow earn, but rather it is ours to receive. Forgive us for the times that we forget the enormity of Your sacrifice to save us. Teach us to remain ever in awe of You and Your great love. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they may gain glimpses of the power and purpose held in Your love that saves. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the greatest gift ever given, and receive freely, all that You offer. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34

Christmas Miracles

They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough. After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. – (Luke 2:16-19, HCSB)

So they went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box. When they saw the baby, they told what the angels said about this child. Everyone was surprised when they heard what the shepherds told them. Mary continued to think about these things, trying to understand them. – (Luke 2:16-19, ERV)

So they hurried off and found their way to Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in a feeding trough. Upon seeing this miraculous sign, the shepherds recounted what had just happened. Everyone who heard the shepherds’ story was astonished by what they were told. But Mary treasured all these things in her heart and often pondered what they meant. – (Luke 2:16-19, TPT)

Christmas miracles are an actual reality. This morning, my own miracle was sleeping in until 6:00am. We have dear friends who waited for years for the miracle of a child of their own. On Christmas Eve one year ago, they had their own son, born as an incredible gift to them on the mother’s own birthday. As I have watched the beauty of this blessing in their lives and recall the joy and wonder in the arrival of my own babies, I cannot help but understand all that Mary must have pondered as she was a part of this miracle that had been foretold and had now arrived. There are miracles all around us, if only we take the time to look and see. The wonder of a newborn baby, the stars placed intentionally in the sky… So many things that point to the power of the loving Savior that became God with us. May we pause and ponder the miracles all around us, and give thanks for the greatest miracle ever given. Merry Christmas and may we all come to adore Him today and forever.

This blessed season,

Created with joy;

As God, the Father,

Sent us His own boy.

Born in a manger,

Angels did proclaim;

The Lord’s arrival,

On that very day.

Miraculous birth,

God’s very own Son;

Sent to save us all,

The Most Holy One.

O what a wonder,

For Mary to see;

What had been promised,

Had now come to be.

Let’s look in wonder,

And give the Lord praise;

All that He has done,

Throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible miracle of Christmas. Thank You for the miracles You continue to do in and around us. Forgive us for neglecting to notice the work of Your hand, for all that exists is because of Your great love. Teach us to pause and ponder all that You have done and the unending love that You lavish upon us. Show us how to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Christmas miracles, and for the miraculous You continue to do every day that we draw breath. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests. – Luke 2:14