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“God has given us, as human beings, the capacity to know him in ways animals can’t.”

A thought by Rick Warren (2008-11-04) from his book, The Purpose of Christmas (Kindle Locations 137-138). Howard Books. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

Rick says, “He created us in his image, which includes the ability to enjoy a personal relationship with him. Then he took the initiative to send Jesus so we could understand his love and our need for him.”

He goes on, “Of course, we know a little about God by simply observing his creation. For instance, by looking at nature we know that our Creator loves variety: he created an incredibly diverse universe. Think of the limitless array of plants, animals, rock formations, snowflakes, and people. No two human beings, even twins, are exactly alike. God doesn’t make clones or copies. Every one of us is an original. After you were born, God broke the mold.”

He then says, “By surveying natural phenomena, we also know that God is powerful and organized, and that he loves beauty. We all know that God must enjoy watching us enjoy what he’s created. Otherwise, why would he give us so many ways to enjoy it? He gave us taste buds, then filled the world with incredible flavors like chocolate and cinnamon and all the other spices. He gave us eyes to perceive color and then filled the world with a rainbow of shades. He gave us sensitive ears and then filled the world with rhythms and music. Your capacity for enjoyment is evidence of God’s love for you. He could have made the world tasteless, colorless, and silent. The Bible says that God ‘richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.’ (1 Timothy 6: 17 NIV) He didn’t have to do it, but he did, because he loves us.”

And there it is, the purpose of Christmas is for God to show us how much he loves us.  As Rick says, “The entire reason for Christmas is the love of God. God loves you so much that he came to earth as a human so you could get to know him and learn to trust him and love him back.”


Do you really realize how much He loves you?
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