For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

For Meditation

Every outstanding work of humanity falls short of the standard of God. It is a glimmer of the image of God in humans that sin has marred and corrupted. Because of sin, everything humans do is self-centered, no matter how well-intentioned. Without God, the world became hostile. Death resulted, and the devil used it to keep humanity in bondage (Heb. 2:14).

That is the story of the world. But God’s love for the world set in motion His eternal plan of redemption after the fall (Gen. 3:15). Through the ages, God has unfolded His redemption plan for the world. Ironically, humans have resisted every move of God to save the world. They have even denied His existence. But God’s patience has been extraordinary, and His mercy and grace, overwhelming. No hero or heroine of this world would have continued in their determination.

That is why the message of John 3:16 is so beautiful to behold this Christmas season. It reveals the heart of God for the world and His relentless determination to save humanity. The love of God constrains Him to redeem the world, despite its wickedness.

So, in the fullness of time, “God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship” (Gal. 4:4-5). That is the essence of Christmas.

As you prepare for Christmas this year, don’t miss the love of God that constrained Him to send us Immanuel to be with us. May Christ’s love captivate you to yield your life to Him, and may you receive grace to guide you into the new year ahead of us.