The Message of Christmas

As Matthew Henry once wrote on John 3:16 & 17,
"Here is all in a little":

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16 & 17)

Christ was given up by God BEFORE He was crucified, BEFORE He was born, BEFORE He was conceived, BEFORE He was prophesied of, even BEFORE Adam & Eve's sin. God gave up His Son from the foundations of the world for us, for you and me.

God gave up His right to condemn the world and instead chose to love it by giving His Son. How dare I not give up my "rights" when I'm offended and choose to love? To give up my gifts, abilities, possessions and time (and they aren't even mine but given by God) as God gave up His All - His Son - for me. This day, Christmas Day, and every day.

Help me to constantly remember Your great Gift to me, Abba. May the thought of it motivate all I do.