“ 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 NIV
As you know Peggy and I have been spending a lot of time in Nepal. We have a ministry in remote villages bringing discipleship training to Christ followers. When I share the message of the gospel, I share about the day I said goodbye to my adult children and grandchildren as we left for our move to Nepal. As I hugged my son goodbye I wept. I knew that Lord willing, we would return to the USA at some point, and I was really looking forward to our moving to Nepal to serve in ministry. But I still wept. Deep weeping as I said goodbye for now. When I share this story in Nepal, I always cry a little and so does my Nepali ministry partner and translator pastor Chhiring Sherpa.
I remind the Nepali believers that the Father gave His son to us. Such great love for unlovable people! I wonder what it was like in heaven the day Father God and His Son hugged each other, and the Jesus left the realm of heaven to become one of us? Did they weep? Did the Father’s heart break as He gave His dear Son for us?
As we approach Christmas may we be so aware and receptive to the heart of the Father and the grace of Jesus for us. May we never forget that the Father gave His Son so that we would be children of God.
“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:9-14 NIV
We think of gifts at Christmas. Some we cherish, others we discard, some we neglect. How have you responded to the Gift form the Father?
“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV
The Von Raeders in Nepal