Advent - Day 8
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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
John 3:16-18
Full Readings: Isaiah 9:1–7John 3:16–18
One of the most well-known verses in the Bible, yet how well known is it truly? Have you ever taken a good look at what it means? It’s remarkable really. It’s all about the word world.
In John’s gospel account of Jesus’ life, the word kosmos literally means ‘world’. But theologically, it means a bit more. John’s world isn’t defined by a sphere floating in space or a set of landmasses divided by oceans.
When John uses the word world, he is thinking of God’s creation, His created Kingdom, in a state of rebellion. Its culture is turned against God. Its citizens reject their rightful King and His ways. This is ‘the world’.
Have you ever made something that became flawed? So much so that you just shudder even looking at it? So much so that you wanted to just trash it and start again? That’s something of what it means to be ‘the world’ before God.
And yet, John tells us that God so loved this flawed, sinful, dark, evil world that He was willinging to send His Son to save it from condemnation and destruction. His most precious, perfect Son. For the sake of rebels and sinners. This is the love of God.
This is what we remember as we look to Christmas and reflect on the arrival of Christ. Jesus’ birth is the greatest gift of love, to an undeserving world. Let’s celebrate that this Christmas.
For Today:
Pray:
Praise the Father that He so loved the world that He sent His only Son.
Give thanks for Jesus that He came to save sinners from their rebellion and darkness.
Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others know and rejoice in the love of God.
John 3:16-18
Full Readings: Isaiah 9:1–7John 3:16–18
One of the most well-known verses in the Bible, yet how well known is it truly? Have you ever taken a good look at what it means? It’s remarkable really. It’s all about the word world.
In John’s gospel account of Jesus’ life, the word kosmos literally means ‘world’. But theologically, it means a bit more. John’s world isn’t defined by a sphere floating in space or a set of landmasses divided by oceans.
When John uses the word world, he is thinking of God’s creation, His created Kingdom, in a state of rebellion. Its culture is turned against God. Its citizens reject their rightful King and His ways. This is ‘the world’.
Have you ever made something that became flawed? So much so that you just shudder even looking at it? So much so that you wanted to just trash it and start again? That’s something of what it means to be ‘the world’ before God.
And yet, John tells us that God so loved this flawed, sinful, dark, evil world that He was willinging to send His Son to save it from condemnation and destruction. His most precious, perfect Son. For the sake of rebels and sinners. This is the love of God.
This is what we remember as we look to Christmas and reflect on the arrival of Christ. Jesus’ birth is the greatest gift of love, to an undeserving world. Let’s celebrate that this Christmas.
For Today:
- Have you memorised John 3:16?
- What strikes you about God’s love?
- Do you need to remind someone of God’s love this Christmas?
Pray:
Praise the Father that He so loved the world that He sent His only Son.
Give thanks for Jesus that He came to save sinners from their rebellion and darkness.
Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others know and rejoice in the love of God.
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