A Father’s Love
Written by Andy Anderson
"We love because he first loved us." - 1 John 4:19
I was speaking with a young father recently who was talking about the anticipation of his firstborn child. As they started telling family of her expected arrival, the man’s father-in-law pulled him aside and said, “Your life will never be the same.” While this young man knew that reality, he thought this older man was just being sentimental and “gushy.”
However, the moment his daughter was delivered, he fell in love with this child. His thoughts immediately went to his father-in-law. He said to me, “I guess Papa Tom was right, I will never be the same.”
As the prophets foretold the coming birth of a Christ child, many anxiously awaited. I think few fully grasped what that would mean for them. Some awaited a political savior, a conqueror, and a king. Some were awaiting a rightful return to power. And some awaited the chance to get a glimpse of God’s glory.
What the Christ child brought was the love of God, poured out on all people. We received a Savior, a Conqueror of sin and death, and a true King. God sent His love in a tangible form. The purest kind of love we will ever know. A love so pure that He gave up His only Son so we could experience His love for eternity. Because of that love, we will never be the same.
This season, I would encourage us all to not just see baby Jesus lying in a manger, but as a true pouring out of God’s love on all of us.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, may we always be ready to share our greatest joy: Your love for all people.
