For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  John 3:16-17 CSB

As we’ve gotten ready to celebrate Christmas, we have looked at different gifts from God. We’ve talked about hope, peace, and joy. This week we want to talk about love. The Bible is God’s love story for all of us. God makes us in His image to be close to Him and He loves us, each one of us.  

God loves us so very much. Even when Adam and Eve sinned (and even when we sin), God still loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to bring us back to Him, so we can be close to Him. And all we have to do to accept God’s love is to believe in His Son, Jesus.

When we say that we believe and trust in Jesus and that we believe that He lived, died on the cross, and rose again to life for us, we are saved. Our belief, our faith, accepts God’s gift of love, His Son, Jesus.

But when we get a gift, we usually give a gift in return. Your mom and dad will give you a gift at Christmas. Are you giving them a gift this Christmas? So, after we accept God’s gift of love, should we give something in return? Jesus helps us know what we need to give God. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27

Our gift to God is to love Him, put Him first before other things in our lives, and talk to Him. Do you thank God when things go well? Do you tell Him about you day? Ask Him to be with you? The other part of our gift to God is to love others, to shine God’s love for others to see.

This week talk to your parents, think about a one or two people or families that you and your family might be able to help; do a chore, make some food, send a Christmas card, or just visit them. Give the gift of God’s love so that others can see His love in you.

Blessings of hope, peace, joy, and especially love!