The God Who Loves Us

   God, in all His majesty and glory chose to come among us in a cave in Bethlehem, in Hebrew the "House of Bread".  Placed in a manger for His bed, a feeding trough for animals became His crib.  Sometimes I think of this scene as a foretelling of the Holy Eucharist.  Our Lord in a trough meant for feeding at His birth; His body, blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharist, feeding our spiritual needs throughout our life.

   There are many gods who have been worshiped throughout history.  Most every society looked to the skies and sought the favor of a god.  For some the god is an earthly god of money or fame or sex.  None of these false gods give themselves as the bread of life such as Jesus did.  No false god will forgive us our sins and show us the way to eternal happiness.

   There is only One True God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit who offers love, mercy and forgiveness for those who believe.  Only He said, “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God, rather than burnt offerings.”  (Hosea 6: 6).

   In love He came to us as an infant.  In love He taught mercy and forgiveness as a Man.  In love He died on the cross in expiation for our sins.  In glory He will return and take all who believe to Himself.

   As Christmas approaches may we remember and give thanks to the God who gave up His glory for a time to become one like us.  The greatest gift ever given born in a cave and laid in a manger because He loved us.

I give You thanks Lord.

For Your birth and Your life.

For paying the price of my sins.

For the love and mercy You have for all.

Amen