Christmas Love

Because Joseph, Mary’s husband, was faithful to the law, and yet did not
want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home
as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
-Matthew 1:19-21

Joseph was prepared to divorce Mary quietly when he learned of her pregnancy.  His encounter with the angel Gabriel empowered him to continue to love and care for Mary and for this child of theirs without limits.  Is there someone in your life that is difficult for you to love?  We aren’t supposed to have “favorites” as teachers and parents, but I find some people easier to love and have affection for than others.  I imagine I am not alone.  Thankfully, God doesn’t have any trouble with this.  God’s love is for the whole world!

I recently watched the movie “The Shack”.  It tells a tragic story of a father who struggles to forgive after the murder of his young child.  “Mac” experiences a powerful encounter with God and is transformed by God’s unending love.  One of the phrases God/Papa uses in the story whenever someone’s name is mentioned is, “I’m especially fond of them!”  Mac asks, “Is there anyone you AREN’T especially fond of?”

God’s response, “No.”  God loves without limits.  The story of The Shack is a fictional tale, but, like the parables of Jesus, gives a beautiful explanation of who God is and how God works in the world.  God also calls us to love others without limit.

Joseph was ready to judge Mary and walk away from the mess he thought she had made of her life.  But a powerful encounter with God, gave him the ability and courage to love her as his wife and to love THEIR son, God’s son, Jesus.  May we, following Joseph’s example, embrace others and not pass judgement on them.  May we learn to love without limits.

This week’s question: Do I love without limits?

Lord, we thank you that your love has no limits.  May we also learn to love others without limit!  Give us courage to be vulnerable.  Give us open hearts to share our lives.  Help us to recognize how much we have been forgiven and not hold others in judgement.  Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  Give us generosity of spirit to love fully.  Amen.