Countless dollars have been spent to celebrate Christmas in churches this year.  The production that we display to celebrate the coming of the King is mind-boggling.  I sat a few weeks in a Christmas production so incredibly amazing that myself along with my family sat speechless.  Open-mouthed we watched multiple angels swing back and forth above our heads while a huge amount of dancers, singers, and orchestra performed to the song “Angels we have heard on high”.  Watching Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus on the stage in the midst was beautiful.  It was more than my dry eyes could take, emotion got the best of me as it always does when Jesus followers come together to worship the true King.

We have been to many programs just like that this holiday season.  I have to say, I have found myself stopping in the middle of the pomp and circumstance and asking Jesus what He thinks about the human effort to magnify His name.  No doubt He is pleased when the hearts of those participating exceed the level of production.

I think today about God’s motive for giving us the Christ Child.  My heart is drunk with passion for God when I read His love-letter to us and remember it was because of me and you.

John 3:16&17

For God so loved the world, that he gave only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

The production that God displayed in the stable and manger was seemingly insignificant, and yet if held the Force capable of breaking the bondage of the sin of mankind.  All because His motive was us....

Unconditional love, isn’t that what we all want?  The whimsical feel of Christmas might mask that want for a month or two, but inevitably January comes and reminds us we want to be loved.  Many years ago, I tried to fill the void of love with so many things.  I was completely frustrated when I did everything earthly possible to fill that void, and still came up short.  There is only one answer to the relentless searching to find fulfillment in this life.  The answer doesn’t lie in a mate, or even children.  You will find that money and a huge house or great success doesn’t fill it.  It can’t even be found in the love of a parent or affirmation of a degree. It manifests in the name of Jesus.  I know some of you are searching for joy, and peace, and I know that you are tired or the search.  My answer to you is that it can be found.  The only way to attain it is a relationship with Jesus. When I got serious about my relationship with Jesus, I realized why I was so frustrated with my life.  My expectation to everyone around me was for them to fill the itch to be accepted, and secure.  It was so unfair to them, because it wasn’t there responsibility.  I was using them as a stand in for Jesus.  

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus changed my perspective.  Be aware if you think you have Jesus, and aren’t satisfied, it’s a sign that you might not have Him at all.  His love is so powerful that you can’t mistake it when you have it.  Receive the gift of Jesus’s love and forgiveness today.  

After all, Gods motive for sending Jesus was you.