Reflection
Where did we get the idea of gift giving at Christmas? Of course there are the three gifts of the Magi and that is great in showing the elect paying homage. But John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son” is the true message of Christmas. This is the Christmas Story. John doesn’t reveal the how of the birth of Jesus. The New English Bible translation puts it “for this is the way God loved the world. He gave everything.”
The definition of love is action. God is giving and God’s action of giving is love. The real story of Christmas is not our gift giving but of God’s giving. It takes an intervention of God in human history to fix the world. This is no pretty picture—there is something wrong in the world - wrong that we cannot fix, nor science, nor philosophy, nor education ..it is God acting in love. Oh what a gift.
Prayer
Lord, give us hearts that never forget your love; to remain in your love whatever we do, whether we are asleep or awake, whether we work or rest. For your love is eternal life and everlasting rest; for this is life eternal - to know you and your infinite goodness.
May the flame of your eternal love never be quenched in our hearts; let it grow and brighten, till our whole souls are glowing and shining with its light and warmth. Amen
Readings
Psalm 130, Malachi 3:1-4, John 3: 16-21; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Song/Hymn
God is Love
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