It’s a risky thing to ask a girl out.
So like a lot of guys, I tried to minimize the risk, read the signals, pick up on clues and cues to get a good sense of what she’d say before I ever put myself out there. If it seemed like she wasn’t interested, I wouldn’t ask. In essence, I wanted her to go first, to make herself vulnerable so I wouldn’t have to. I was a coward.
Not so with God.
Christmas reveals that God is a bold lover.
At the incarnation, God put his heart on the line. He went first. He took the risk of letting us know how he felt before we even dropped a hint.
Actually, it was more than that.
In a very real way, the incarnation is when Jesus put on His wedding clothes. And he showed up for a bride who didn’t know his name and couldn’t care less he had arrived. Because she was enamored with someone else.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15:16a).
When he first came to you, he moved across heaven and earth to find you. And with No on your lips and a door in his face, he gave himself in love for you.
This advent as you await his arrival, ready yourself to open the door and give him your Yes. Behold, he is bold, loving, and good; and he is at the door for you.
Question: What’s one way you can give God your Yes this advent season? How do you think he would feel about that? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment below.
Getting ready,
Josh
Come Clean
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Pat Dickinson
What a great reminder. I am going to read this daily going into advent. Thank you!!
Linda Andrews
Thanks, Josh! This was right on time for me. God ministered to my heart this week through Chris Tomlin’s song “How Can I Keep From Singing.” Your article again let’s me know how much God loves me and to what lengths He will go to reach me!
Chuck Jagdman
Great article Josh. My yes to Him is to seek Him more honestly on a daily basis. To submit and focus my love and affections on Him, and be thankful this Christmas Season for His sacrifice.
God Bless, Chuck.
J.B.
Celebrate his birth, not mine, during this season.
Johnny T.
“Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth… the thrill of hope the weary world rejoicing…” Some of the words in O HOLY NIGHT bring a deep sense of thankfulness and humility welling up in my heart as I reflect on your words about our “bold lover” leaving the unimaginable glory and moveing into a lowly manger…. just to be able to communicate with me/us and to recover the damage, destruction and death procreated by the presence of SIN. Your thoughts bring all this to an even more personal awareness. I hope the Lord will find me a willing vessel this season and every day for Him to express His love to another who has not yet seen the worth He placed on their soul… Thanks Josh…
scott
thank God for you.
i had to get up early to see this post.
great 2013 in the Lord!!