Feeling Unworthy of God’s Love

The Greatest Love Story of All Time

Scripture References

Primary text

• John 3:16

Other references

• Mark 3
• John 13:23
• John 19:26
• John 20:2
• John 21:7
• John 21:20
• Galatians 4:4

Overview

Christmas is not built on sentimental romances but on the overwhelming love of God: “For God so loved the world….” The birth of Jesus reveals a love that conquers death and invites every person into its story. Through Advent’s final candle of love, we remember a Father who sent His Son, a mother who cherished her boy, and a Son who now loves each of us personally.

Main Points

Christmas re-frames every love story

• Famous romances (Romeo & Juliet, The Notebook, Titanic) all end in tragedy; God’s story ends in resurrection.
• The greatest love story begins, “For God so loved the world,” not “Once upon a time.”

Advent leads us to love

• Historic practice of preparing heart through fasting and prayer.
• Candles lit so far: Hope, Peace, Joy; today the Love candle centers on Christ the true love.

A Father sends His Son

• For eternity the Father and Son shared perfect oneness—Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.”
• Galatians 4:4: at the set time God sent His Son.

• Illustration:* Parents feel the ache of “sending” a child—first day of kindergarten, driving at 16, leaving for college—yet God’s sending was infinitely deeper.

A Mother bears and releases her Son

• Angel told Mary she would bear a Son named Jesus who would save people from sin.
• Simeon’s prophecy: many will oppose Him, and a sword will pierce Mary’s soul.

• Illustration:* Mary’s exhausting journey to Bethlehem—90 miles on a donkey, swollen feet, craving snacks, no room in the inn—shows a mother’s costly love.

• Mothers and fathers love equally but differently; playful slideshow of Amy vs. Craig with kids highlighted nurturing vs. rough-and-tumble love.

The Son loves us

• John 3:16 declares God’s motive: love. Jesus came to save, not condemn.
• John, once a “son of thunder” (Mark 3), repeatedly called himself “the disciple Jesus loved” (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7; 21:20). Love changed his identity.
• Jesus’ love reaches:
  • the woman at the well searching for acceptance; He offered living water.
  • Peter who denied Him three times; Jesus reinstated him.
  • the woman caught in adultery; He silenced accusers and forgave her.
  • Zacchaeus the dishonest tax collector; dinner with Jesus transformed his life.

• Story:* Pastor Craig knelt on a softball field at 19, desperate and addicted; he stood up a new creation because Jesus loved him.

• The season’s slogan goes deeper: “Jesus is the reason,” but underneath it, you are the reason He came.

Key Truths

• God’s love story begins with sending, not sentiment—He acted first.
• Parental love illustrates but cannot equal the Father’s cost in giving His Son.
• Jesus’ love is personal enough to rename, restore, and repurpose broken people.
• Christmas love does not end in death; it conquers death through resurrection.
• We are worth the life of God’s only Son—our response is to give Him our lives.

Response

• Receive the Father’s gift by trusting Jesus rather than your own efforts.
• Step away from guilt and shame; believe you are “the one Jesus loves.”
• Share this love story with someone still chasing lesser romances.
• Celebrate Christ at the center of every tradition—candles, meals, gifts, conversations.
• Live renamed: let Jesus’ love redefine your identity and purpose.

Closing

Christmas celebrates a baby born to die and rise again—the proof that God values you beyond measure. The Father sent, the Mother released, and the Son now reaches for you.

“You are the one Jesus loves.”
Embrace that truth and let it turn the season, and your life, into worship.

Prayer

The congregation thanked God for sending Jesus, asked to know this life-changing love, and many surrendered their lives: receiving forgiveness, asking the Holy Spirit’s fullness, and declaring Jesus as Lord.