A young girl, an older man—her betrothed—some shepherds, a few magi, a variety of animals, a manger, and numerous angel visits: these are the familiar elements of the Christmas story. As a church, we spend much time focusing on this story. We tell our children, share Advent messages, and sing carols about the birth of the tiny Messiah. We do this so often that it becomes routine; over time, we may find it harder to see ourselves in the story. We can forget that we, too, are part of why God chose to send His Son.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” (John 3:16-18) These verses remind us that God made this choice not because we earned it, deserved it, or did enough good deeds to merit His favor, but simply out of love—a love that knows no bounds, a love so vast that it required separation from His only Son. Why? Because of the relationship He desires with us, all that is asked of us is to believe. No strings attached, no gimmicks—just believe.
We see just that as we look at the characters in the story. He came for the unwed mothers, the adoptive fathers, the humble and the wealthy, the lowly and the learned. He came for all of us.
And yet, in this holiday season, we sometimes fall short of reflecting this love. We might get frustrated in traffic, overlook the needs of the poor, or feel impatient with parents trying their best to manage their children. We can also get caught up in our differences, making space only for those who share our views or preferences. We may find ourselves quick to criticize others, primarily online, instead of remembering the kind of love Jesus demonstrated. Yet, despite our imperfections and human tendency to judge, He still chose us.
He chose to send His Son to save the world—a world that often chooses to turn away from Him. He didn’t have to. He could have continued the system of sacrifices, atonement, and death. He could have become frustrated with humanity and wiped the slate clean. But He didn’t. He chose Agape— a love that surpasses all understanding and doesn’t follow the rules we often live by. A love we cannot earn, nor can we escape. This love, His love, keeps giving.
As we prepare for the Christmas season, I invite you to reflect: What does it mean to receive this kind of love mean? What does it mean to know that there is nothing you can do that will separate you from His love—a love demonstrated in a tiny baby in a manger and ultimately by the man on the cross? A love that we cannot earn or deserve but is freely given. And how does that change the way you love those around you? The unwed mothers, the adoptive fathers, the humble and the educated, the rich and the poor?
Kristen Cowman is the Children & Families Director at Parliament Community Church in Regina, SK, Which is located near Harbour Landing. As a church, we offer programs for all ages, from children to youth, young adults to Seniors who are part of our Heritage groups. We are also diverse in cultural backgrounds but share a desire to grow as disciples of Christ together.