Who Does This Kind of Thing?

Dear Believers and Non-Believers and Curious Seekers,

I have an incredible word lesson to share with you.  I can't take credit for its content but I can share it with enthusiastic passion, a childlike wonderment, and an astonished and grateful heart.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!- 1 John 3:3

{Love }

With our narrow range of words in the English language to convey a specific meaning, we may read the word "love" and think of parental love, romantic love, adulation or even adoration.  But none, none of those meanings convey the message of the original Greek text.  The specific Greek word for "love" in this instance referred to a "foreign" love, a "who does this kind of thing?" love.  It is a completely uncommon and unexpected love.


What god loves his people so much that he sends his son to live among them, love them and ultimately die for them so that they can be embraced into the family of this god?  


It is this "who does this kind of thing" love that is at the heart of the Christmas story.  It is the love of God who gladly, willingly, lavishly spills His most precious treasure over us. 


It is with deep and humble gratitude, Lord, that I receive your priceless gift.  And as a child on Christmas morn, I eagerly tear at the beautiful wrapping to behold and embrace the love that resides inside; Your unfathomable, "who does this kind of thing?" love that is given freely and lavishly from You to me.  I can only love you back in my own uncommon and unexpected way..