Nothing can separate us from the love of God... that is in Jesus Christ, our Lord. (Bible, Letter to the Romans, chapter 8, verse 39)
The fact that God is the creator of the universe is a mystery, one you can choose to believe or not.
But there are visible signs that point to a brilliant Creator: the functioning of the human body, the beauty of nature, the marvelous sunsets, the infinite vastness of the universe, the perfection of creation down to the smallest details, the diversity of animal and plant species.
How can you believe that this Creator God did all this for you, and that He loves you tenderly, passionately, and kindly?
Are there external signs of this incredible love?
What is the story of this God full of love, who becomes human, is born in poverty, and has to flee to another country at a very young age.
Who grows up in a humble carpenter's family and comes into the public eye only in the last three years of His life, when He talks about giving His life as proof of love.
He is sentenced to death and executed by religious and political leaders who find Him too disruptive.
But three days later, He rises from the dead, announcing that death is defeated, proclaiming a Kingdom of hope, freedom, and truth.
Does this story remind you of something? This is the story of Jesus. You can see it as a simple tale that gives the origin of Christmas... or you can see in it a clear sign of the immeasurable love of your Creator.
You can choose to believe in Jesus, who conquered death and all evil with the power of God's love.
If you choose this, you will find in Him the source of love that connects you to your Creator, gives meaning to your life, brings you into close relationship with God, whom you can call "Father," and allows you to celebrate Christmas in a new way.
No, there is nothing that can separate you from the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ. And this love is for you.
I wish you a Christmas season filled with blessings!
Christine Staiesse
The video message can be viewed here: Christmas 2023
Source: The Salvation Army | Christine Staiesse | Communication Department
Date: December 23, 2023
Image source: Margarida Afonso, Unsplash
