Deeply in Love..

From the pastor's desk..

          There's the story of a prince who was running an errand for his father one day in the local village.  As he did so, he passed through a very poor section of the town. Looking through the window of his carriage, he saw a beautiful young peasant girl walking along the street.  He could not get her off his heart. He continued to come to the town, day after day, just to see her and to feel as though he was near her.  His heart yearned for her, but there was a problem. How could he develop a relationship with her?   He could order her to marry him, it was in his power to do so.  But he wanted this girl to love him from the heart, willingly.  He could put on his royal garments and impress her with his regal entourage, and drive up to her front door with soldiers and a carriage drawn by six horses.  But if he did this he would never be certain if the girl would love him or will simply be overwhelmed with his power, position and wealth.

          The prince came up with another solution.  As you may have guessed, he gave up his kingly robe and symbols of power and privilege.  He moved into the village dressed only as a peasant.  He lived among the people, shared their interests and concerns, and talked their language.  In time, the young peasant girl grew to know him, and then to love him.

          This is what Jesus Christ has done for us.  The word became flesh.  The King of heaven put aside His heavenly robes and divine prerogatives.  He came to us as one of us.  He lived among us; ate with us; drank with us; felt with us -- all to win our love.  He could have forced us.  He could have overwhelmed us, but He chose not to, instead He chose to romance us.  He stands here today with the smile of love and arms extended.  He is the God who became real so that we could experience His transforming love.  Jesus is not just a truth to believe in, He is a person to be experienced.  Have you ever experienced Him? His love? This is Christmas: He walked upon the earth that we may walk with Him... now and for eternity!  That we may not walk in darkness anymore but to have the light of life-- for Jesus is the Light of the World!

          This story was on our church sunday service bulletin, written by our church pastor (Ptr. Jo).  We've heard countless times of Jesus' love and sacrifice.  Coming down to earth to save the ones He loves. This story is an awesome metaphor of that.  Just ponder on it, He was already comfortable up there in heaven, no hunger, no thirst, no pain.  Now why would He go all through that trouble of coming down here, accepted persecutions, heard people bad-mouthing Him, endured painful whips, wore a crown of thorns, endured every excruciating blow as the nail dug deeper through His skin, got hung on the cross and died?  Why would He go all through all that for the sake of worthless dirty peasants like us? (Don't react, we may be clean on the outside but are we really on the inside?) Despite all impurities He LOVEd us and He will always do. He gave up everything coz He's so deeply in love with us.  Our Lover placed aside His heavenly position because He wants us to spend eternity in His arms. The ones He so dearly loves.  Isn't that beautiful?

          Now as we spend Christmas, let's lay aside everything else and focus on the true reason for this season.  Let's be reminded that Christmas is not about lovely display of fireworks, discount sales on the malls, parties, Christmas bonus, break from school, mouth-watering food set on the table, or those gifts under our trees.. it's not even about our families or friends or ourselves.  But only about Jesus Himself, setting aside His everything for us.  For we are His everything.

          Guys, if you feel bummed about not getting any gifts this Christmas, please remember that the greatest gift one could ever receive is in the person of Jesus Christ. So may we set aside everything for Him, for only He can truly be our everything.  All for His glory! :)

If you're not in a hurry please take time to listen to this song. This may not be new to you but i pray that you'll just concentrate on the lyrics/message and let Jesus speak to You. Together let's be reminded that because of Jesus' love for us He gave His all..

All For Love - Hillsong United