As we’re celebrating the birth of our King this December, let us not forget to liberally apply love to every interaction we have. Our savior, the One who willingly sacrificed himself for our sake, commands us to love one another. He says ‘they will know them by their love’
This year, I am overwhelmed by the grace God has shown me, and as much as I love Christmas, I mean, it has been my favorite holiday for my entire life, I find myself even more appreciative of Easter. Jesus willingly went to that cross.
And as I build a rather lengthy resume of selfishness, sin and regret, His grace means that much more to me. His giving to me a gift that I don’t deserve. I’ve spent a lifetime following Jesus Christ. I was in elementary school when I had that conversion experience, and I’d be happy to tell you about it sometime, and after 55 years on this planet, almost 50 professing my faith. I know I don’t deserve His mercy, and I certainly don’t deserve His grace.
As for the conversion – It’s the single best thing that’s ever happened to me. Oh, I know what you’re saying – my wife will have my hide for saying that to all y’all, but the truth is, if it weren’t for that conversion experience, I wouldn’t have my wife. I wouldn’t have my kids. I’d probably be dead somewhere, years ago. A footnote. Well, that’s unlikely, not really worthy of any comment at all.
But this isn’t a sad story at all! It’s a great story. I did have that conversion, and because of it, God has blessed me throughout my entire life. God loves me, I can’t tell any of you why He loves me, but I know to the bottom of my socks that He does. I have a beautiful wife – 21 years in April, 5 unbelievable children, each of whom loves God, and knows Jesus, and I have a place where I can worship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. This is a great story.
In closing, I still adore Christmas, the birth of our savior is worthy of celebrating, so as we go, let us outdo one another in love, one for another.