Love Came Down

This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. 1 John 4:9

 Love came down at Christmas time
 From Heaven above;
 God came to Earth as flesh and blood
 To show us what is love.
 
 Love has many meanings,
 Each has a place in our heart;
 To spread God's Word through our actions,
 Each meaning we impart.
 
 Philautia is a love of self,
 Accepting who we are.
 You were uniquely created by God,
 So shine on like a star.
 
 Philia is a love between friends,
 A loyalty we feel towards them.
 Jesus is a friend to all,
 Treating each of us as a gem.
 
 And then there is agape love,
 Unconditional love to mankind.
 Jesus taught us that compassion
 Keeps our hearts aligned.
 
 Express these loves this Christmas season,
 And all the new year through;
 You'll be a blessing to one and all,
 And enrich your life, too. 

One of the missions of Jesus was to show us what love is. We use that word for all sorts of reasons. “I love your new hairdo!” “I love french fries!” “I love sleeping in!” We’re basically expressing what makes us feel good. But Jesus showed us that love goes much deeper than that.

He taught us that before we can love others, we need to love ourselves. Ephesians 2:10 God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus He has created us for a life of good deeds, which He has already prepared for us to do. We each have a purpose uniquely created for us to fulfill. Once we embrace who we are, we can shine our light into the world!

He also taught us the importance of a loving friendship. Although He had a close group of 12 disciples that He mentored and considered friends, He had a core group of 3 friends. Peter, James, and John are sometimes referred to as Christ’s inner circle. Mark 9:2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him. He led them up a high mountain. They were all alone. There in front of them His appearance was changed. Jesus confided in them, leaned on them, and went deeper with them in their faith. We all have many friends that we enjoy hanging out with. But there are just a few we would consider our BFF’s. Those friends are the ones we can count on when we need help, comfort, or advice. They’re the ones we call first to share good news! There’s a loyalty in these friendships that builds our trust in them, and we love them. Proverbs 27:9 Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy, for good friends are like the anointing oil that yields the fragrant incense of God’s presence.

Jesus also showed us agape love. This is an unconditional love we have towards others. We love them because God loves them. John 13:35 “By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” We don’t need to have a relationship with someone to express agape love. We show agape love when we tithe, donate food, volunteer our services, say a kind word, or pray with someone. Simple acts of kindness show others that they matter and are loved. It’s our way of being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Jesus showed us the importance of giving and receiving love. We are fruitful when our lives are in balance. In the song “O Holy Night,” the author expresses this message clearly. “Truly, He taught us to love one another; His law is love, and His gospel is peace.” In this season of giving, let us show others the love of Christ in all that we say and do.

Dear Lord, I thank You for loving me just the way I am. I pray that I may show others Your love through my actions and words. May Your love flow through me to bless those around me. Amen