The Gift of Love

"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2:4-5

This Sunday, the last Sunday of Advent, Pastor Fred will be teaching on love, referencing one of the most frequently quoted passages of Scripture, John 3:16-17--"For God so loved the world that he gave is one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

Because of God's great love for us, he made us alive in Christ. This free gift, the ultimate gift of love from God to us, is what we commemorate and celebrate at Christmas. But, I was thinking. What is our gift to God during this time? Well, the best gift we can give to God is also a gift of love.

Many of us will be gathering with family, friends, and friends who are as close as family during this season. It happens every year. It also seems to be a perpetual ritual for that group to negatively challenge our faith during this time. There is that brother-in-law who says that, while this "religion thing" is good for you, his life is just fine without any need for God. There is that sister and single mom who has been through just so much that she doubts even the existence of an all loving and merciful God. There is that self-proclaimed intellectually superior grandfather who says somewhat ironically that he does not read the Bible because he relies on his pastor or priest to interpret Scripture for him. Yes, even though we choose our friends, we don't choose family.

So, what do we do? I believe that the greatest gift of love we can give to God is to show genuine Christian love to these individuals. Not a patronizing, "I'm going to heaven and you're going to hell" type of love. But a non-judgmental, sincere Christian love. Show your love with how you carry yourself amid the negativity. Show them respect and dignity as a creation of God. Go the extra mile. Serve that piece of cake or cup of coffee to them. And, most of all, when you are parting ways at the end of what might be a trying day, give them a hug, look them in the eye and say, "I love you." That will be your gift of love to God this Christmas, and he will be glad and rejoice in it.

You may just start construction of that bridge that Christ will eventually cross into their hearts. And, you never know. Next Christmas may then be different!,

Gerry Mouzis

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