The LOVE we celebrate at Christmas has less to do with our love for God and our families than it does with God’s love for us

[Luke 2:15-16]

“15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. 16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.”

[1 John 4:7-11]

“7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.”

The first thing to remember is that HE loved YOU FIRST!!!

[1 John 4:9-11]

“9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.”

[1 Timothy 2:3-4]

“3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”

[1 John 4:10]

“This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.”

Sin and salvation aren’t just part of the Christmas story, it IS the Christmas story!

THIS is real love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. And THAT is why WE love God.

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Application Questions

1. What stood out to you from this message and why?
2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?
3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?
4. How will this message change how you act at home, at work, and in your relationships?