Purposeful Birth
By Karen D’Amore
“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.”
John 3:16
In the movie My Sister’s Keeper, tragedy threatens to tear apart the Fitzgerald family when their two-year-old daughter Kate is diagnosed with leukemia. Conceiving another child to serve as a bone marrow match is their only hope for Kate’s survival. An unconventional birth thru genetic engineering and in vitro fertilization, Anna is brought into the world to be a genetic match for her older sister. Anna’s pre-planned birth was for the express purpose of saving the life of another. The fate of Kate’s life was dependent on the birth of her sister Anna.By Karen D’Amore
“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.”
John 3:16
With Christmas drawing near, I am moved to reflect on the purposeful birth of Another. Prophets would speak of His birth hundreds of years in advance. Born of a virgin, the unconventional, miraculous birth of Jesus would bring joy to the world. “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in the excitement of knowing about this great event. They knew this was no ordinary baby. A star paused over Bethlehem just to mark the way for those who were looking for this special child. Yes, God would send His Son, Jesus, to be born into this world, for the express purpose of being our Savior. Jesus was born to die! Our only hope for eternal life would be dependent on His birth and eventual death.
Through the purposeful birth of Jesus, all who believe in Him have the hope of heaven. A perfect genetic match for all sinners, we can partake of His “marrow” and be saved. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Savior! Are we celebrating as though our every breath of life depends on Him? Or has the Light that shines brighter then any other been hidden behind tinsel and trees?
Christmas takes on new meaning when viewed in the context of John 3:16, doesn’t it? God sacrificed His son in life and death because of His love for us. This Christmas we can celebrate with hope in our heart and joy in our soul. Jesus’ purposeful birth gave us life…now and forever.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there someone in your life that is in need of His lifegiving “marrow”? Share with that person how they too can have the perfect gift of eternal life.
2. What can you give to Jesus this Christmas? Your heart? Your love? Your time?
FURTHER READING:
2 Corinthians 9:15; John 14:6; John 6:46
Married to husband Dan, Karen is the Salon Coordinator for Intrigue Salon & Spa, the administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and a volunteer at the Wildlife In Need Center.
