The Question: Why?
As we continue our preparation for Christmas, one question that we might ponder is Why? Why did God become flesh and dwell among us? We refer to this miracle as the incarnation. In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul refers to this miracle of incarnation as an “emptying.” And through faith, we are seeking the answer to our Why?
Paul reminds us that even though Jesus was in the form of God, with all those rights and privileges, He “emptied himself… taking on the likeness of humanity… becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-8). Wow! But Why?
The Answer: Love
The only answer that the Bible ever gives is love. As John 3:16 reminds us, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”
The theology of salvation is a simple message of ultimate love. God so loved—so very much loved—the world, that He could not see any who would not be saved from their sin. And out of the depth of that love, He gave His only Son. Love is the answer to our question of Why?
In The Spirit of Christmas
Christmas seems like a fantasy story, but in truth, it is a love story. It is a love story that is hard for us to comprehend. The best that we can do is to imagine the love of a parent for a child. It is a love that is more willing to give than to receive. The Greek word is “agape.” It is a love that loves in spite of—in spite of my failings, in spite of my inability to love back in the same capacity, and in spite of my selfishness.
Another word that we sometimes use to try and comprehend this love is grace. It is unmerited and underserved, but there it is.
See The Father’s Love
During these weeks of Advent, we can begin to reflect on this love. Take a minute to simply bask in being loved. Don’t even try to comprehend it. Just enjoy it!
The next time you see a manger, see it as a love note from God to you. Because when it comes to God and how He feels towards us, love is the answer.