For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. – John 3:16
Christmas has always been a special time for me, especially since the Lord came to live in my heart. I love to think about the birth of our Savior and how much God must love us to have given us His only begotten Son. I love to read the details of the holy nativity, and look at the beautiful Christmas lights while trying to imagine how bright the magnificent star of Bethlehem was. It would have been thrilling to hear that heavenly choir of angels proclaim the birth of Jesus to the shepherds on that cold and lonely hillside. Christmas is a special time!
Even though Christmas is special to me, for years my heart held a deep sadness and longing for my son, who had been missing with no way to contact him. At Christmas time, I would always wonder if I should buy gifts for him anyway, hoping for the miracle of his return. While baking Christmas cookies, I would think about which kind he liked best, and then remember how he loved them all.
This year, God has given me a most wonderful gift and my joy is indescribable as I celebrate Christmas with my son, who returned a few months ago. God gave His Son to us, and now He has given my son back to me. I am so grateful, and now he, too, has received God’s Son into his heart. All Christmases are special, but this is certainly a very special Christmas.
Do you have a loved one who needs salvation? It can be heartbreaking to think of our close family and friends who do not have the joy of the Lord or the hope of Heaven, but remember that God loves them more than we can imagine—enough to sacrifice His own Son for them! This Christmas season, as we pray for those that are closest to our hearts, we can remember that God had them in mind when He sent Jesus to the earth. He came to save them! What a hope-filled thought!