The Peace and Promise of ChristmasSample

Where It All Began

The Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world -1 John 4:14. 

Perhaps you recall the words of this classic Christmas carol expressing wonder at the birth of Jesus:

Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,

When Thou camest to earth for me;

But in Bethlehem’s home was there found no room

For Thy holy nativity.

These timeworn lyrics retain their power down through the years. The truth that Jesus had to leave something else to come here is what the apostle Paul wrote about in Philippians 2: “Christ Jesus . . . Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage” (vs. 5–6). The hymn’s theme of leaving and arriving echoes the opening of John’s gospel: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning” (John 1:1–2).

This is the measure of how fully we’ve been loved: Not only was the Son willing to come to save us from ourselves and our sin, the Father was willing to send Him to accomplish that eternal purpose. What more could ever be said about the wonder of divine love than this: “The Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14).

Christmas has been called “the season of love.” It’s true—and it’s Jesus’ great love that we celebrate.

What stands out to you about Christ’s humble beginnings? How might this influence your Christmas observances this year? 

Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son into this world—for us!