Does God approve of us?
That’s a valid question, but there’s an even deeper one we must consider.
How can we know? What device can we use to measure whether God places us in the acceptable zone?
Guesswork isn’t acceptable, not when the outcome of our life’s choices makes such a difference once we cross death’s threshold from this life to the next.
Why can’t God just tell us when we do something right? You know, words spoken aloud, in the air, directly into our ear?
Sometimes he does.
Luke 1:30-31 begins the Christmas story even before the conception of Jesus.
“And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.’ ”
Martin Luther, German monk and principle figure in the Reformation, echoes the words of Luke.
“Good news from heaven the angels bring, Glad tidings to the earth they sing: To us this day a child is given, To crown us with the joy of heaven.”
John R. Rice, Baptist evangelist, says it like this:
“You can never truly enjoy Christmas until you can look up into the Father’s face and tell Him you have received His Christmas gift.”
We are God’s creation, his children, and the heirs of all he has. His approval came in the birth of Christ.
God loves us. Totally. Without reserve.
It’s time for us to choose to love him in return. That’s the reminder that is Christmas. God sacrificed his Son, sending him to earth to live in human form, so that we would know his eternal love.
What greater favor could God show than that?
Jesus is our model. Living better through him is our goal.
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