The Gifts of AdventSample

It can be uncomfortable to go first. To be the first at bat, first on stage, first at the DMV—no wait, that one’s great. But in most cases, going first requires a vulnerability that we can ignore when we go second, third, or tenth. We can assess the situation and adjust so that we’re more comfortable with our own performance. We’re not the ones putting our necks on the line and accepting the consequences if things don’t work out.

Lucky for us, Jesus gives us the eternal opportunity to go second. None of our experiences—no leap of faith, no tenuous situation, no struggle or success—is unknown to Jesus.

One of my favorite passages in Scripture comes from Hebrews 4:15-16. It says,

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

He understands us because he went first. In preparation to celebrate Christmas, the arrival of Jesus to our world, I can’t shake this idea of his gift of going before us. As humans, our hierarchy of needs from the moment we are born depends on someone doing things for us that we can’t do for ourselves. Our very first needs are for safety, love, and belonging. From our first breath, love is essential to our survival. Love is what motivates persistence in the sleepless nights, spit-up-covered clothing, sassy back talk, and inevitable heartbreaks. Love makes it all worth it.

We know it because he knew it first. His love empowers our love. When our love is failing, his love never does. That’s why 1 John 4:10 rings so true: This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

God’s love goes first. It gives us the gift of going second. Of responding to his love with love of our own. Of following in his footsteps instead of stumbling alone. This love came as a baby to reconcile our relationship with God forever. This love overwhelms, adores, and delights in us. This love is Jesus.

To Close

So, this Christmas, as you receive your first or second or twelfth gift, let it be a reminder of the gift Jesus gives us over and over again. His love continues to be the best gift we could ever receive.

Let's Pray

Jesus,

We thank you again and again for the gift of who you are. Help us to be tangibly reminded of your love in this season, and give us the clarity and willingness to show that kind of love to others. We are so grateful.

Amen.