The Love of Christ

Unwrapping the Character of Christ

Hymns

1. "Silent Night, Holy Night" - SDA Hymnal #143

2. "What Child Is This?" - SDA Hymnal #141 3. "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" - SDA Hymnal #130

Bible Passage

John 3:16–17 CSB

For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will 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.

The Greatest Gift: Love Made Visible

John 3:16 is perhaps the most well-known verse in the Bible, and for good reason—it points us to the heart of the gospel which is God’s love. 

The story of Christmas is not just about a baby born in Bethlehem; it is the story of a God who loved His world so much that He gave everything for it.

Notice the language:

Not just a select few, not just the good or the worthy, but everyone.“God so loved the WORLD…” 

The gift of Jesus is the ultimate expression of selfless, sacrificial love. The text says “…that He gave his one and only Son…” 

This love is not abstract or distant—it is love that moves toward us, that enters our world, and love that takes on our burdens.

Love’s Purpose: Not to Condemn, But to Save

Verse 17 is often overlooked, but it is just as powerful, it says: God did not send Jesus to condemn, but to save.

So often, people imagine God as distant, angry, or just waiting to point out our failures.

But the message of Christmas—and the whole gospel—is that God’s heart is to rescue, heal, and restore.

Jesus’ birth is proof that love takes the first step.

God came to us, not because we deserved it, but because His love could not leave us lost.

Love in Action: Sharing Christ’s Love

In a world that can feel cold, busy, or even hostile, Christ’s birth invites us to put love at the center of our lives.

So the question is asked of us tonight, How can you make love visible this Christmas?

We can do it through a kind word or a listening ear

We can do it by helping someone in need—perhaps a neighbor, a friend, or even a stranger

We can do it by reaching out to reconcile with someone where there’s been distance or hurt

& We can do it by praying for those who are lonely, hurting, or far from home

Christ’s love is meant to flow through us, shaping our attitudes, our words, and our actions.

Closing

As I close, remember that the love God showed us through Christ is not only a gift to be cherished but also a calling to be lived out.

This Christmas season, Let the wonder of God’s love fill your heart and overflow into the lives of those around you.

Whether through simple acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or steps toward reconciliation, you have the opportunity to reflect the love of Christ in tangible ways this season.

May you walk forward with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that you are deeply loved and called to share that love with the world.

Prayer

Jesus,

Thank You for loving us first and best.

Thank You for coming into our world, not to judge us, but to save us.

Fill us with Your love so that we can love others well.

Help us to see those around us as You do, and to reach out with kindness, compassion, and grace.

Let this Christmas be marked by love—love received and love given.

Amen.