Reading: John 1:1-5; 3:13-17
On Monday morning of this week we awoke to a cold morning for us Floridians. Quite a change from the previous week where we were having lows of 50, highs of 80, and wearing short sleeves. Monday morning greeted us with a low of 30 and the high only expected to get to 60. This was a drastic change and the chill quickly began to go deep into my bones. That is when I realized that I left my wool coat out in the car. I asked my dear husband if he would mind going out and getting it for me. After dressing and a quick brush through my hair, I put on my warm coat that he so kindly went out to get. Then I reached for my keys, which weren't in their regular spot. I looked to him searching for an answer and he said, "Oh, I forgot, they're still in the lock of the car." So off I went out into the cold ready to shiver a while before getting the car warmed up enough to enjoy the heater. Then a nice surprise was waiting for me. My husband didn't leave the keys in the lock of the car - he had already cranked the car and I entered into an unexpected warm vehicle awaiting to take me to work. This is something he does quite often for me on cold mornings, but this particular morning he wanted it to be a surprise.We have an unexpected warmth sent to us by our Heavenly Father. He sent it in a surprisingly small package. In the form of a baby, we receive a light that warms our heart eternally. John begins his gospel writing about how Jesus, the Word, was there from the beginning. He reflects upon how Jesus was with God and is God. How God created everything through Jesus and how Jesus gave life to everything that was created. And here is where my heart begins to warm - "and His life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." (John 1:4b-5 NLT) Jesus comes to us bringing a light, a warmth, that can never be extinguished. Further in his gospel John tells us the purpose of Jesus' human life. He came down from heaven to be lifted up on the cross and sacrificed so that we can have eternal life. Everyone who believes can have this warmth and reassurance of eternal life. It is a promise that our Father has given us. A blessing of warmth sent to us in an unexpected package, on an unexpected day, through an unexpected humble girl named Mary.
One of my favorite verses is Luke 2:19, "And Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." This is a theme verse that Ladies for Jesus has adopted this Christmas season. So I ask you, are you pondering in your heart the wonderful things Jesus has done for your life? Are you daily thanking Him for leaving heaven and humbly coming as a baby for salvation of your sins? This Christmas I hope you will do just that and in doing so I hope the warmth you feel in your heart sparks to those around you so they can feel His loving warmth also.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for coming as a humble babe to a world that needed You so desperately. I love You and want to spark more of Your love in this world. Help me to do so. In Jesus Name, Amen.
