Love makes a way.
Have you ever stopped to wonder—why did Jesus come to us? What could compel the King of the universe to step into our fractured world, to become human like you and me?
The answer begins in the opening words of John’s Gospel, where the mystery unfolds:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1 NIV
Here’s the thing about most religions. They affirm generally 4 major attributes of God: that God is infinite, incomprehensible, invisible, and impassible (non-feeling).
Greeks hold to an apathetic God. One who is impassionate, in other words, one who doesn’t care.
In the Buddhist tradition, never would they associate the Divine with any “feelings.”
The Islamic tradition holds a view of a non-feeling God. So when a Muslim suffers, they suffer for Allah, but never with Allah.
“When the living God enters the world through the virgin's womb, God breaks open all the philosophical and religious boxes and feels. God voluntarily embraces, voluntarily identifies with, and voluntarily feels the realities of our lives." The God of Advent-Christmas feels for and feels with.”
— Darrell Johnson, Awaken Wonder
The God we read about in Genesis is far from apathetic. The Apostle John wants to make it clear: Before the first breath of creation, Jesus was there. Yes right there in the beginning of our story, in Genesis. Present in every detail of creation. From the stars to the oceans. From the plants to every creature. And to the first breath given to humanity. He was intimately involved in creation, weaving beauty and purpose into every detail.
A few chapters later, this is what John reveals the most wonderful thing about Yahweh:
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Our Christmas story reminds us that Yahweh is not apathetic, on the contrary, our God is moved by His own compassion and love for His creation.
In the beginning, Yahweh makes humanity out of love. Yes, this love formed life itself. And even when this one creation that Yahweh treasured most wandered and got lost, this infinite love made a way. Knowing full well that humanity could not save itself, He sent His Son.
There is something every human wants and needs—every man, woman and child. No, it’s not more gifts and candy. Although those don’t hurt, right?
We were made for love. And the deepest longings of our hearts are only satisfied by the love we find in Jesus.
It was love that sent Him, and it is love that saves us. This love is not fleeting or fragile—it is not merely an emotion, but a person. God is love.
And this… this is the love we have been waiting for.
