The Christ Candle: Love

What if what they say is true? Creation, that speaks the power and wisdom of the God whose word birthed order and meaning out of chaos and nothingness? Scripture, the written revelation of who God is and who God created us to be? The story of our rebellion when we chose our own way over him, and God’s promise and pursuit from that very moment to make a way for us back into his loving, life-giving presence?

What if what they say is true? The wise men who followed a star to discover hope in a humble newborn king? The shepherds who witnessed heaven’s joy and spread the word that the Savior had been born? Mary who, in faith, risked everything because she believed what the angel said, and trusted God with all of her unknowns? Joseph, who found peace in the angel’s assurance and in offering his gifts and humble circumstances to raise the Prince of Peace?

What if what they say is true? That God loved each and every one of us so much that he sent his Son to offer us everlasting life in God’s presence, now and in eternity? That God loved us so much that he risked more than we can ever imagine, placing his Son – himself – in human hands? Hands like Mary’s and Joseph’s, that would love him, care for him, and raise him? But also hands that would reject him, beat him, and kill him? That God risked all that because he loves us with a love that will take us an eternity and more to fully understand?

What if what they say is true? Will you receive the love God poured out so lavishly? Will you offer him your own abilities and circumstances, whatever they are, like Joseph? Will you offer all your questions in faith – the answered questions and the unanswered ones – like Mary? Will you live in hope, knowing you’re part of God’s story, like the wise men? Will you share the news with joy like the shepherds that there’s a living Savior for all the world?

What if what they say is true? Truth calls for a response. Will you worship Jesus – as the Messiah, as God with us, as your Savior and Lord – and be part of his story, too?