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 A collective reflection on Hope, Peace, Joy, and LoveSunday, December 22, 2024 |
| Gift-giving Love John 10:10, Mark 10:45, 2 Corinthians 9:15 “Love…better than I ever dreamed of.” “Love” in almost every language includes some form of gift-giving. Those gifts may be tangible, colorful, and costly, or they may be simple and plain. They may be intangible, like time, thoughtful listening, a shared experience, or recognition. Regardless, the giving of a gift communicates some form or measure of love the gift-giver has for the gift recipient. Does it surprise you that God’s love for you is expressed in his gift-giving to you? In fact, the Bible is full of stories of God’s love experienced by people through his gifts to them. We, as people, long to be loved and to love. We seek it, mark it, act on it, and develop it; gift-giving is one of the reinforcing love actions we take. Jesus’ birth, a gift from God to every human being, is the ultimate standard of loving gift-giving. Our celebration of Jesus’ birth at Christmas and all the associated gift-giving is a constant pointer to the supreme lover of people and gift-giver himself. None of us, with the best of our love-expressing gift-giving, could have possibly imagined a more selfless, sacrificial, profound, or magnanimous gift than the birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. This love gift, Jesus, touches every aspect of our human experience, range of needs, and deepest desires. As these Scriptures express, “I came so that they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed possible” (John 10:10, Message). “For even the Son of Man (Jesus) did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Gift-giving in this season is sourced in the very love of God for you, as demonstrated in Jesus. And God’s kind of love is better than you ever dreamed possible. As you get to know him and know him better, his gift of love to you will grow increasingly amazing, intimate, and awe-inspiring. God really loves you! “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15). By Craig Cheney PRAYER FOR TODAY Thank you, God, for your extravagant gift of Jesus. The distractions, expectations, and activities of this season can rob me of my enjoyment of you. Restore my heart with a daily filling of your love. Jesus, as the greatest gift in my life, help me know, feel, and be shaped by your presence and love. Thank you, Jesus, for loving me so fully…so much better than I could have ever dreamed possible. Amen. DOWNLOAD ECHOES OF HOPE PDF BOOKLET |
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