Maybe because Christmas trees are already appearing in stores, or because I stumbled across a Christmas song while introducing my daughter to U2 and Frank Sinatra, but when I read today’s reading from Paul, I was struck by the idea of God bringing us “nearer.”

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off
have become near by the Blood of Christ.

What does this have to do with Christmas you may ask? Well for me, one of the big themes…one of the echos in my soul at Christmas time…is that God Came Near….God is with Us. Such a magnanimous gesture…that our Creator humbled Himself, and came closer to us…He lowered Himself to be closer to us. And now I see…not only did He lower Himself, but He also lifted us up. He drew us closer to Him. And what really strikes me…is how He is doing all the work. Moving us to Him…Him coming closer to us. I mean how much greater of a demonstration of His love for us do we need? How much more evidence do we need…do I need…to understand that God wants me…desires me…appreciates me…loves me…just as I am. We are infinitely valuable to Him…despite our sin…despite our stubbornness…despite our rebellion. God loves us. He will move Heaven and Earth…and even Himself for our sake. Think about it! He asks so little of us…and yet with just a little bit of effort on our part…we move infinitely nearer…to Him.