Mary Placed Love In A Manger


If you've seen the classic film, "A Christmas Story," then you know well about Ralphie's desire to receive an official Red Rider BB Gun for Christmas. Without that one gift Christmas was going to be a disappointment for him. A lot of the Christmas celebration revolves around gift giving. Sadly, this has led to the commercialization of the day. Yet, there's clearly nothing wrong with giving gifts. The day itself is about remembering the greatest gift ever given. God is a giver, and the Scriptures teach us to freely give as well.

Many families will open gifts today on Christmas Eve. If not, they already have or will tomorrow. We are traveling this weekend so our family got together this past week in NY to celebrate. My 3 year old nephew Cruz opened some little toy trucks we gave him, and exclaimed, "I really love it!" It was a memorable moment. I hope you get something you can say that about as well. Remember something in the midst of all the unwrapping though.

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. I Corinthians 13:2

Paul was talking about spiritual gifts, but the truth applies to everything, and in every area of our lives. It doesn't really matter what gift I receive if I don't have love. Without love I am nothing.

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." I John 4:7

When Mary wrapped her little baby boy she wrapped love. God is love. She placed love in a manger. He had been sent because God so loved. Loving isn't simply something God does. Love is who God is. It's who he wants us to be as well.

Consider these words from Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus:

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

The way of love. The way of love is to choose to not be bitter, to not slander, and to forgive. We've all had people hurt us, but to hold onto anger is not the way of love. Being kind and forgiving is. And without love we're nothing.

Without love it doesn't matter what you get for Christmas. Have you seen those Lexus and Mercedes commercials where folks receive a $100,000 car for Christmas? I personally think they're the most ridiculous commercials I've ever seen, and if you ever think of spending that kind of money without consulting your spouse first I hope you either are a multimillionaire or will consider seeking counsel first (Because otherwise you will be seeking counsel later). Yet, even if you did receive such a gift, and you got in and drove around with your head held high, without love...you're nothing.

Let's love this Christmas. Let's be kind, compassionate, and forgiving. If we have that then we have enough. Well, maybe that and a cup of coffee.

Following the Son,

James A Williams

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