Sanctuary Foundation Advent Devotional Day 25
My Mum’s love language was gift giving – with a strong emphasis on giving food. After I left home there was never a time she came to visit without a bag full of margarine tubs filled with generous portions of her signature curry. I would see her meal-sized expressions of love filling my fridge and freezer for weeks after she had gone.
Gift-giving at Christmas often feels very different. The rush to the shops. The bombardment of advertising. The excessive choice. The social etiquette that requires the obligatory gift swap. Sometimes in the rush we lose sight of what a gift really is.
The most famous verse in the Bible – John 3:16- reminds us why a gift lies at the heart of the Christmas 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.
This gift was given sacrificially, out of love not expecting anything in return. It was given universally to all without exception. And it was given meaningfully. God knows what it is like to walk in our shoes. He knows what it is like to be homeless, to be a refugee, to be hungry, to live a life that leads to death. And so he gives us - through Jesus - the offer of life.
Thank you
Krish Kandiah
Director, Sanctuary Foundation
Thank you for joining us on this Season of Sanctuary Advent Journey looking at the themes of welcome and hospitality that lie at the heart of the Christmas story. As you prepare your hearts and homes for Christmas, please consider opening doors of hope for those around you. For more inspiration and information please visit www.sanctuaryfoundation.org.uk