Love Story

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.
​(John 3:16)

There are many fallacies that are perpetuated in society that have their roots more in generalities than realities. One fallacy is that women are more romantic than men. We tend to think that it’s only women who enjoy hearing about a recent love match, but, I have noted the comments of men when they hear of their best friend’s engagement, an old pal’s forthcoming wedding or news of a new love match on the wind. Additionally, how many books, songs, poems, plays and films have been made about love and love stories… and not all are written by women? Love transcends gender barriers, race barriers, and even age barriers.

For many people these past weeks, without perhaps realising it, their thoughts have been centred around the greatest love story of all times. This love story is summed up in one verse in John’s gospel and is relevant to us all.  It says: 
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“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
(John 1:14 )

Billy Graham once said “I suppose the most misused word in all the English language is the word ‘Love.’ But, you know, the whole Bible is a love story; God’s love affair with the human race.”
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• Christ left the majesty of a Heavenly kingdom and swapped it for a bed of straw and a simple, village life. 
• He divested himself of robes of honour and glory to be clothed in a poor, simple, woven garment. 
• He said goodbye to those who adored Him and was surrounded by mockers and those who ridiculed and laughed at Him.
• He swapped his crown of glory for a crown of thorns.
• And He swapped His throne for a cross. 

On that night in Bethlehem 2000 years ago, when an angel adorned the skies of earth with its beauty and its light proclaiming ‘I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people’ (Luke 2:10), the greatest love story of all times was being heralded and would soon be on display for all creation to witness.

It’s a fallacy to think that Jesus just came for sinners, just for the poor, just the needy… the greatest love story of all times, encompasses every human being of every era, on every continent.

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, let us, with great anticipation, commit ourselves to getting to know this One who wrote, produced and was the central character  in the greatest love stories of all time.  

​A very Happy and blessed New Year to you all.

Pauline Anderson