"But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed."
---Isaiah 53:5
In the beginning was love. It was through love that He created us in His image --- not as slaves or robots, but with free will to choose whether or not to have a relationship with Him.
It was His love during the Old Testament period that tried to guide the Israelites to eternal happiness, and away from their desire for temporary pleasure. Do we sometimes behave like the Israelites? I can't speak for you, but I know I have. (Thanks for forgiveness!)
Because of love He came in the flesh to show us by His example how to live. He would die on the cross then arise so our sins could be forgiven in order for us to have eternal life. No more symbolic sacrifice or offering according to the law --- He was the ultimate and final sacrifice.
This Advent season let us remember His great love for us from creation to this very moment:
1. The baby in a manger... no doctor, no hospital.
2. His traveling and teaching... no air conditioned car or hotel.
3. His death on the cross... no pain medicine or fancy funeral.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." ---John 3:16Wayne Cessna---1992
Bless me with greater understanding of Your love, Lord,
as we move toward Christmas.
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