20081214

“He has taken me to the banquet hall, and His banner over me is love.”

During the Christmas season we hear many Christmas carols being sung proclaiming the birth of Jesus Christ. However, it is not often mentioned that many prophecies were made about His birth many years before it happened. The Bible records that various prophets spoke of Jesus’ birth long before He was born in Bethlehem. Prophet Isaiah wrote that Jesus would be born of a virgin and He was (Isa. 7:14). Prophet Micah wrote that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem and He was (Mic. 5:2). God, in His infinite wisdom and love, prepared the way for man to be saved from eternal condemnation. His actions were a commitment to that love. Jesus came to earth, lived a sinless life and ultimately died on the cross for our sins – a true commitment to that love.

Mutual commitment is essential in any love relationship. Love and mutual commitment cannot be separated. We cannot truly love without making a willing commitment. God’s desire is for us to choose to love Him. “Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ ” (Matt. 22:37-39).

Our love for God is exhibited in worshipping Him for who He is and simply to obey Him. It also shows itself in our love for people and giving our service to God and to people. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Pet. 2:9, 10)

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone him.