Christmas: Familiarity should not always breed contempt!

It took me 3 years to get through Algebra 1! The reason is partly because of the way my God made me. I wanted to know why “Pi” was Pi! Sadly, my first two teachers would not take the time to help me understand it. Finally, in my Sr. year, a wonderful teacher at Leilehua High School in Hawaii, took the time to make me familiar with this kind of math. I received a A+ in that class! …Maybe I could not get Pi because I am such a square! :) 

I have felt led to spend the next Devos focused on Christmas, and then I will return to Proverbs. I want to re-examine verses that we are very familiar with. It is dangerous for us to ever take a familiar verse of Scripture for granted.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.


Love is an action word! God tells us through John that Love Gave! One of the most famous quotes about Love came from Hollywood: “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.”

Actually, depending on which person we are talking about, that is true and false. We live in a fallen world and are sinners by nature. If we were offended, since Love is unconditional, our commitment should remain the same...that is what God does. However, if we are the transgressor, Love demands we take action to make things right.


Why? Love requires two parties, unless you’re in love with only yourself, which in that case you desperately need some counseling!


God Loves us; fallen, sinful, and even rebellious human beings. (Which BTW He created innocent and, in His image, yet we chose our own way and listened to our desires, not His.) His Love led Him to give (God Gave His Only Son) so we could, if we are willing to do it His way, humbly accept His forgiveness and become an intimate child of His. Related to Him by blood! His blood.


Nate, how does that work? If I could fully explain that…then I would be God! I am finite and sinful; I cannot comprehend in full an Infinite God. Still, if I am willing, I can understand His reaching out to me in Love to restore my relationship with Him!

The So What: Jesus did all the work required. Christmas, for us, is about receiving. Can you get over yourself and embrace the reality that being a Child of God and living in fellowship with Him is far better than being your own god and living separate from the Giver of REAL Life, Joy, and Contentment?