“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-4

“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him in whom they have never heard/ And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'” – Romans 10:13-15

The Christmas story is a love story authored by God Himself. Christmas was God’s idea. He initiated it, planned it, and carried it out! This was not a “re-write” or a “plan-B”. Our sinfulness did not throw God for a loop. “Well, I didn’t want to, but I guess I will have to reveal myself.” Once again, we need to be reminded that this is something God has always desired. He is a God who reveals and wants to be revealed!

“God so loved the world…” has always been true. God has always desired fellowship with His creation. Always. From the beginning when He walked in the garden with Adam and Eve. Since then He has never ceased revealing Himself through prophets and priests, through the Scriptures, through His creation, and, ultimately, coming into our world that first Christmas!

Yes, we were lost and needed a Savior. Yes, we stood condemned with no hope. We needed a deliverer. But we must remember that the primary reason was not our “need” but His desire! He wanted to redeem us! God wants to be reconciled to us even more than we want to be reconciled to Him. In fact, many are not excited to be called into a relationship with the One who created them. “…to humbly walk with the Lord.” (Micah 6:8) is a part of the equation that is contrary to our sinful pride…but, God still came…still revealed…and still does!

The message of the Christmas story is that God desires fellowship with us. No wonder they call Him Immanuel…God with us!