God’s providence leads us to John 3:16-17 this week – a great Christmas preparation passage.

John 3:16-17 famously reads, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.”

God loves the world so much He sent His Son into the world. Jesus, though God, emptied Himself and came to earth as a human. He grew up and lived out the perfect life, following every command of God faithfully. Though perfect and blameless, He was condemned to death as a criminal on a cross. Yet, His life wasn’t taken but given, He offered His life as a sacrifice for our sin and shame. The death we deserve He bore so that in faith we would be restored to God and enjoy Him forever.

Ask, why would God do this? Our world is practically unlovable; we hate, steal, covet, manipulate, murder, doubt, and live foolishly. Nevertheless, God loves us and gave Christ to save us.

Celebrating and enjoying Christmas is to celebrate and enjoy God’s love for you. He loves you. He came for you. He lived, died, and rose for you. And He now offers you salvation. Though you were an enemy of God, Christ did all this so you would know, trust, and celebrate Him. Christmas would not be worth celebrating if it were not for God’s great love for you.

So, as you enjoy Christmas, the presents, food, family time, and rest, I encourage you to consider honestly and thoroughly why and how you can celebrate Christmas in light of God’s great love for you. Merry Christmas and God bless.