Reading: John 3:16-21, Romans 5:6-11

John 3:16-21

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

Romans 5:6-11

6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

As we begin this journey, let's marvel at the wonder of God's love. The Reading today emphasizes Jesus as "wonderful," reminding us of His extraordinary love that led Him to become human for our sake. Reflect on how God demonstrated His love by sending His Son when we were still sinners. How does this unconditional love impact your life? Consider ways you can reflect this divine love to others today, even those who may be difficult to love. Remember, just as Jesus brought light into darkness, we too are called to be bearers of His light and love in a world that desperately needs it.

When you reflect on the birth of Christ, to include His work on the cross, How does it seem wonderful to you?