In moments of quiet reflection, when the hustle of daily life subsides, we might find ourselves pondering the very essence of love. The ancient words of Psalm 17:6-7 resonate, “I call on you, O God, for You will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of Your great love…” This plea for understanding divine love echoes through the ages, particularly during the Christmas season. Christmas, in its most profound sense, is a celebration of When Love Was Born. It’s a time to reflect on the extraordinary gift described in 1 John 3:1, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us!”
The Christmas narrative is steeped in the concept of love, but not just any love. It speaks of a transformative, unconditional love, often referred to as agape in theological discussions. To grasp the depth of this love, consider a story shared by Jay Kopp, a counselor known for his insightful interactions with students. In a classroom setting, a student expressed appreciation with the simple phrase, “I love you man.” This sparked a meaningful conversation about the different facets of love. Jay explained that agape love stands apart – it’s the highest form, a selfless love willing to sacrifice everything. He articulated, “This is the kind of love Christians believe that Jesus demonstrated in coming to earth and dying on the cross.” This poignant moment underscores the central message of Christmas: the arrival of agape love into the world.
Christmas is, undeniably, a period where we should deeply consider this agape love. It’s more than just festive cheer or gift-giving; it’s about recognizing when love was born in a tangible and transformative way. The lyrics of a carol capture this sentiment beautifully:
Emmanuel, Prince of Peace,
Love come down for you and me
Heaven’s gift, the Holy spark
To light the way inside our hearts
This “love come down” is the essence of Christmas. It’s the divine love, the agape, breaking through into our world.
King David, in his Psalms, often cried out to God in times of distress. He sought refuge and pleaded, “Show the wonder of your great love.” Even David, a man familiar with God’s faithfulness, yearned for a renewed experience of this love. He wasn’t merely seeking knowledge of God’s love, but a fresh revelation, a rekindling of the awe and wonder that accompanies the initial understanding of divine affection. Like David, we too can ask, “Show me the wonder of Your great love,” especially as we reflect on the Christmas story. The challenges and difficulties we face, much like David’s enemies, can sometimes overshadow the profound love that surrounds us. Remembering those who face dire circumstances, like persecuted Christians globally, can refocus our hearts on gratitude and prayer, deepening our appreciation for God’s unwavering love.
Image representing the arrival of divine love at Christmas, symbolizing hope and peace
The Apostle John eloquently wrote about this divine affection: “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1). This is not a casual fondness, but a lavish, outpouring love that elevates us to the status of children of God. It’s a love that defies earthly understanding, a love born in a humble manger and offered freely to all.
Even when life brings pain, loss, or unexplained hardships, the message of Christmas and when love was born remains a beacon of hope. In the face of worldly meanness and personal struggles, choosing to rejoice in God’s eternal love and boundless mercy becomes a powerful act of faith. This love, born at Christmas, is not dependent on our circumstances; it’s a constant, unwavering presence.
Reflecting on the timeless Christmas carol “Joy to the World,” penned by Isaac Watts nearly three centuries ago, we find echoes of this very sentiment. Watts, though not explicitly referencing Psalm 17:6-7 in the context of Christ’s birth, captured the essence of divine love’s arrival. The resounding refrain, “And wonders of His love,” encapsulates the awe-inspiring nature of God’s love revealed through Jesus. It makes us wonder if Watts, in his profound understanding of scripture, was indeed inspired by the same longing for a revelation of God’s wondrous love.
As you navigate this Christmas season, and indeed every day, remember the profound truth of when love was born. It’s not just a historical event; it’s a present reality, a love that transforms lives and offers hope in every situation. Embrace this agape love, the divine gift of Christmas, and allow it to illuminate your heart and actions.
Daily Prayer:
Father, we are profoundly grateful for Jesus, who entered our world as a vulnerable infant with a divine mission – to offer Himself on the Cross, a sacrifice for our sins, and to reconcile us to You. We are not only forgiven but also welcomed as joint heirs, embraced into a new identity as “children of God.” This is the breathtaking wonder of Your great love, a love extended personally to each of us. Empowered by Your example and the Holy Spirit, may we reflect this agape love in our interactions, prioritizing others above ourselves, in accordance with Your perfect will, through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
