What a Love!

This picture with a manger and the Cross is beautiful to me.  On Christmas, some traditionally remember Jesus' birth in Bethlehem.  They think about the fact that He was born, but that's about all. Others don't consider The Lord at all.  They simply take part in the festivities, and gift-giving and receiving.  I think it's easy to stop at His birth.  But like the above picture so perfectly illustrates, Jesus' purpose was to die.  For me. For you.  He was Lord when He was born, and He is Lord now and forever.

Recently I looked at a familiar scripture, but The Father let something stick out to me that I don't think ever has before:

"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  (emphasis mine)
       Matthew 1:21 NIV

The scripture says "...because He will save HIS people from their sins." As I read this verse, the fact that He called us HIS people stood out to me.  It's as if He called me His even while I was in my sin.  The Father is infinite, and yes, He knew beforehand that I would accept Him and ask Him to come into my heart and be Lord of my life.  But He loved me before I ever said yes!! As He watched me do crazy things, risk my life and safety, try hard to fit in, get involved in ungodly behavior, He still loved me! I am overwhelmed by this!  What a love that waits and woos.  What a love The Father had for me, that He had redemption in mind. God knew we would sin and lose our way, so He prepared a way of escape for us.  Thank You Jesus!!! I love you!!