Thought for the Day - The promise of love in the Christmas story
We have visited the theme of love in recent weeks, and now we return to Love as our final Advent reflection, writes Rev Jon Bergen.
In our world marked by uncertainty and even violence that brings chaos to our times, we live in Hope that Peace can give us Joy because of the promise of Love that God offers and which the Christmas story reveals.
Long before the shepherds heard the angelic songs, before the Magi saw the star or before Herod made his decree that sent Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, God spoke through the ages to proclaim that a Messiah would be sent. Isaiah prophesied: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)
This promise was spoken into a world living in fear. King Ahaz faced looming threats, and though he refused to ask for a sign, God declared one anyway: a virgin would bear a child, and His name would be Immanuel —‘God with us.’ In essence, God said, “I will do what you think is impossible.”
Centuries later, Matthew tells us that this prophecy found its fulfilment in the wee town of Bethlehem, as Jesus was born to the virgin Mary and she called His name Immanuel, a testimony of God coming near to His people.
Why did God come to us as a wee baby? He could have come with an angel army, bent the world to His will and been the mighty conqueror.
I just don’t believe that would have been a sign of Love. He came as an innocent baby, growing into the One who embodied John 3:16: “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.”
The gift God offered was not one of sappy sentimentalism or merely seasonal, but rather divine, intentional love for the people He created.
It makes Christmas into more than just a nostalgic moment or traditional event. It is the story of a God who loves us enough to step into our world, to become one of us, to share our humanity, and to redeem us in our broken condition.
May this year be the year we see beyond the lights and festivities to know Hope, Peace, Joy, and the Love of God.
Happy Christmas to all!