But God demonstrates His own love toward us,

in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us

(Romans 5:8, NKJV).

 

Christmas is less than two weeks away, and most of us are caught up in the busyness of the season—shopping, baking, wrapping, planning, decorating, cooking.

We hear a lot about the “reason for the season,” and of course, we know that reason is to recognize the Savior’s birth. Our hearts warm when we think of the Babe in the manger, but what about when we consider the ugliness of sin that required the very Son of God to come to earth, not just to show us how to live but to die in our place?

One of the questions I like to ask people, at Christmas and throughout the year, is, “When you picture God gazing down at you, is He smiling or frowning?” If we’re honest, we often see Him frowning, don’t we? You and I know our sins and failures only too well, and it’s difficult to move beyond them and remember that it was for those very sins and failures that Christ came to earth and died on the Cross. But that’s not the end of the story. He died on the Cross, yes…but three days later He rose again! And because He rose again, we will too. The penalty for our sins was paid in full at Calvary, and that means when the Father looks at us He no longer sees our sins; He sees Christ’s righteousness. And He loves us with the very same love that He has for His only Son.

Why not make that truth the focus of your Christmas season—and beyond? Each time your thoughts drift toward God—and I pray that’s often!—picture Him smiling at you (not frowning) because He loves you so very much that He sent His only Son as a Babe in a manger…for you and for me.