Love Changes Everything
I have always been struck by the great faith shown by Joseph of Nazareth. At how far his love was willing to go in obedience to God and in his love for the Child who was not his own.
The story of Bethlehem cannot be properly appreciated without also understanding Calvary. Bethlehem and Calvary are not two different stories—but one story with intertwining threads. And this is God’s story of love for you and for me.
In writing The Christmas Baby I was forced to ask myself, how far was I willing to go for love? What would I sacrifice? What would I risk?
To risk much for love, like Anna the heroine of this story, I have to be willing to come to the end of my pride and self-sufficiency if I am to discover God’s best, often unexpected, gifts for me. Like Ryan our hero, I, too, have grappled with what this kind of love will cost me.
Sometimes I've lacked the courage to love this way. The price of obedience too hard. The cost of laying down my plans too high. The death of self too painful.
But love is a choice. An unconditional love with no expectation of return demands courage. My prayer—like Ryan’s—is for God’s love to be born in me so that I might love the way God loves us. And to persevere in loving, despite knowing the outcome may never be what I long for most—but trusting God anyway.
How far is your love willing to go? How far was God’s love willing to go for us? All the way from heaven to the manger to the cross.
Because Love changes everything. Every. Single. Thing.
God is a good father. His Son sees you and I as worth the pain, worth the grief and worth the cross. In His ultimate heroic sacrifice of love, we find our Bethlehem. It is not a something we have earned, but a gift of unfathomable grace.
Bethlehem and Calvary — the greatest love story. God’s love story for all mankind when He chose to make our heart His home. Love is calling, and I pray you will answer love’s call this Christmas season.
I hope you will enjoy Anna and Ryan's journey in The Christmas Baby.
Merry Christmas,
Lisa
P.S. I love this cover! This is my favorite Love Inspired cover ever!
For more behind-the-scenes inspiration from The Christmas Baby, visit Pinterest.
Posts
I agree. Gorgeous cover!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heather.
DeleteAmen. Lovely post and wonderful cover.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Christine.
DeleteLisa, thanks for the wonderful thoughts on God's love. I love your cover, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Merrillee. Merry Christmas.
DeleteLisa, lovely Christmas message. And I think the most poignant event was in the Garden of Gethsemane, when Christ took the sins of the world upon himself. I think that must have been even more painful for him than dying on the cross. I appreciate you sharing this today.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining the conversation, Leigh.
DeleteWonderful post, Lisa, and the cover is lovely.
ReplyDeleteThanks Arlene. Happy reading and writing to you.
DeleteHi Lisa, love your cover! And, like you, I love Joseph. What a strong man who loved God! Advent is always such a special season of anticipation. The birth of the Christ Child and all that would unfold in the years that ended with Christ's walk to Calvary and triumphed in his resurrection. The year ahead holds wonders for all of us! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThank you Debby. God bless you and your family during this holy season.
DeleteInspiring post...Thank you! Merry Christmas! Blessings to everyone!
ReplyDelete"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."