Rd. Alexander
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3: 16
Christmas is the manifestation of God’s love for mankind through the birth of His son, Jesus Christ. God created Man in His own likeness and image, yet man sinned and turned away from his creator. By and through sin, man fell from God’s love and grace. Yet, time and time again, God sent his prophets to remind the people of His love until finally he had to send his only son Jesus Christ into the world to spread his love.
Therefore, this Christmas it is important that we find and regain the love that God has for us. It is also important that we find the love that we have lost for mankind, humanity, our friends, families and even enemies. Remember, “Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God…. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ Mathew 22:37-39.
Finding God’s Love
God’s love for mankind has been manifested through the years, but the greatest was when He sent his only son, Jesus Christ, into the world to save us all. Yet, we denounced Him and had him crucified on a cross like any other criminal, thus denying His love once again. However, every Christmas we are reminded of God’s love for mankind through the birth of Jesus, given another chance to remember our creator and return to His love.
Jesus also taught us and manifested about love when he said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13) and laid down his life for us.
Love for Neighbours
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’.” Mathew 22:39.
One of the greatest laws given by God himself was to love our neighbours as ourselves. In a world where jealousy and hatred rule the day, it is indeed a hard act to follow. However, as the children of God, it is important that we show our love for Him by showing it our brothers and sister (neighbours). The parable of the Good Samaritan was an example given to us by Jesus himself on how to love our neighbours.
Remember that loving and helping our neighbours will do us good for the Lord himself said, on the judgement day God will say, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” Mathew: 25:40.
Love for Enemies
Love for enemies? Perhaps this is the hardest pill to swallow in the history of love. How could one love an enemy that has hurt or destroyed you in one point of your life? But that is what the Lord has taught us when he said, "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44)
Love is the only weapon that can help change the world and the one common topic that every religion across the world has taught. Yet, as men we fail to love our enemies and would rather persecute them. But this Christmas, as sign of God’s love and our love for Him, we could perhaps extend our hands to our enemies. It would only make the world a better place.
Love for Family
Christmas is a time for family and time to celebrate God’s love for us. So, what is Christmas without love for your families?
The one commandment that God has taught mankind is love for one another and this has been manifested through the prophets and His son, Jesus Christ. The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph lived in love and peace and God was with them. Therefore, taking the Holy Family as our patron, we can also spread love and peace in our families this Christmas. Couples should love and respect each other. Parents should love their children equally and vice-versa.
Remember, “Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love” 1 John 4:8
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas filled with love.
