Romans 5:8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us."
Here it is a few days after Christmas and for some the tree has lost its glimmer.
If it was a live tree, it probably is shedding its needles. I remember as
a child the glamour of the tree would be lost when the presents were all
unwrapped and put away. Some of the toys may not have lasted for the first 24
hours. The eveready bunny (battery) has already lost its zoom and power.
Families have to get back to their usual schedule. For some, this might bring a
feeling of disappointment.
All of those things might be true if all we saw was the
earthly, material side of Christmas. But for the past four weeks, we have been
looking at the subjects of hope, peace, joy, and love. All of these things are
based upon the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ; therefore, if we have looked at
the true meaning and object of Christmas, then we can be assured that those
four things will never diminish. This is what today's verse is telling us.
"While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." We had nothing with
which to buy salvation. It is the absolute perfect gift that can only be given
by One whose power, beauty, grace, mercy and love remain constant. Let me go
back to the material side for just a moment. Some of the gifts probably came
with a guarantee. Some probably purchased extended warranties for the gift that
was given. Those guarantees and warranties are only as good as the name that
stands behind it. Today we are reminded that God commends His love toward us.
That means that God stands behind His promise. That promise of love is
guaranteed for as long as the Giver is alive. Can you see what I'm saying? The
material side of Christmas may grow dim for some, but the eternal promise that
was given through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ
grows brighter with each day! God's love is an eternal love that never runs dry
or never loses its power.
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels!
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!