The Coming Love

As we conclude the Advent season with the theme of love, we're invited to unwrap the greatest gift ever given—Jesus Christ. John 3:16 reminds us that God's love wasn't passive; it was active and sacrificial. But here's the beautiful truth: when we receive Jesus, we're not just getting eternal life someday—we're receiving a treasure chest of gifts right now. Like Russian nesting dolls, Jesus contains gift after gift: a new identity that can never be stolen, a new ability powered by the Holy Spirit, and a new family in the church. The world tries to define us by our jobs, relationships, and possessions—all things we can lose. But when we're in Christ, we become new creations with an identity rooted in God's unchanging love. We're given supernatural power to overcome our struggles, not through trying harder but through trusting deeper. And we're adopted into a spiritual family designed to support and strengthen us. The enemy's favorite weapon isn't temptation—it's busyness, isolating us from the very community that protects our spiritual foundation. As we approach 2026, we're challenged to see ourselves not through the mirror of past failures or cultural expectations, but through God's eyes. Christmas isn't just about the spirit of giving; it's about receiving what God has already given and letting that transform everything about how we live.