PASTORAL MESSAGE: The Greatest Gift

By REV. DAVID CONSTIEN
Mesquite Lutheran Church

1 John 4:9: “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him.”

The greatest gift we need in our world today is God’s love that brings peace on earth and good will toward one another. Christmas is God’s gift and proclamation of love incarnate: Jesus Christ.

As we exchange gifts and gather with loved ones, let us remember the ultimate gift given us – the gift of Jesus Christ. In the humble stable of Bethlehem, God’s love took on human form, a tangible expression of His grace. The nativity scene is not just a historical event but a timeless reminder that God’s love knows no bounds.

In the midst of twinkling lights and festive decorations may His Word be illuminated in our hearing, so that we find the true Light who entered the world to dispel the darkness through His sacrifice and the forgiveness of sins He has established. By that gift, we pray the warmth of Christ’s love by His Spirit will fill our hearts and radiate outward, illuminating the lives of those around us. As we extend kindness, generosity, and compassion, we emulate the very essence of the Christmas story.

This season invites us to live by the sacrificial love demonstrated by God – a love so profound that it led to the gift of His Son. In our interactions and relationships, may His love be our guiding light. Let forgiveness be our offering, understanding be our greeting, and compassion be our tradition.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us also celebrate the opportunity to share His love with others. In doing so, we fulfill the spirit of Christmas, making it a season of not only receiving but giving, not only festivity but profound gratitude. May the love that was made manifest in Bethlehem be manifest in our lives this Christmas and throughout the coming year. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!

Rev. David Constien is Pastor of Mesquite Lutheran Church, 450 Turtleback Rd., Mesquite. Worship: Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Bible Study at 8:30 a.m. Christmas Candlelight Service: Sun. Dec. 24 5:00 p.m. Visit: https://www.mesquitelutheran.org or Facebook: @mesquiteLCC for more information including information about Mesquite Lutheran Childcare Center.