Terri's Wellspring

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

God’s love for us is powerful.  Because He loved the world He gave us the gift of His son, Jesus Christ.  This perfect gift is available to us and the billions of people who inhabit the earth.  He loves each of us regardless of the color of our skin, where we live or what language we speak.  He loves the people of this world.  We honor this gift by loving God and His Word.  We honor God by loving one another.  Each life, each soul has value.   This value is not based on wealth or lack of it. It is not based on achievements or sitting in places of position or power.   He loves us and we are commanded to love one another.  Demonstrating love where the darkness of poverty, hunger, violence, slavery and oppression exist brings light to the world.  Even in this age of human advancement, hatred and disregard for life are pervasive in the land.  We are called to love each individual as a member of the human family;   love, not hate; love, not fear.

Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.  John 13:34-35 MSG

So the Word became human and made his home among us.

He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.

And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

 John 1:14 NLT

We have entered the Advent season, a time observed by Christians, in anticipation of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. For some this is a formal of time of prayer, fasting and devotion creating a spiritual connection during this Holiday season. For others it may not have much meaning at all and represents something that other people practice. I believe at some level all of us can prepare our hearts and minds for Christmas. We may not choose to use an Advent Calendar or observe the formal weeks of Advent devotion. But all of us can anticipate the celebration of the gift of Jesus Christ. He came so that we may have abundant life. His coming, His living and His gift at Calvary makes our salvation possible. We are so thankful for this gift and His unfailing love that blessed us at His birth and continues to bless us today. During this time leading up to Christmas, we can anticipate the celebration of His birth and turn our hearts and minds toward Him.

The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.   We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.   John 1:4 MSG