"How great is the love that the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are!"

"For God so loved the world..."

I am forever mindful of the love of God as it is revealed in Jesus. Jesus was the earthly embodiment of his Father in heaven, the perfect fulfillment of God's design for humanity on earth. Of course, we consider the theology of this and recognize that Jesus is God Incarnate (that is, God in the flesh).  The writer of Hebrews reminded us that Jesus "is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven..."

Then, I remember that we (humans) are created in the image of God, meaning that the character of God is imprinted on our DNA and we share the capacity for the goodness of God on earth. That is, until the reality of disobedience and sin. Now, in Jesus, God has purified (by faith) all those that call on his name. Now, by faith, we are called the children of God upon whom God the Father's love is lavished. 

I love that last word - LAVISHED. What does this mean? God's love is poured out on the world with profuse abundance. God holds nothing back; instead, pours out with loving abandon (that is, he gives his love unconditionally). 

That being said, though God's love is offered freely, humans are given the freedom to accept or reject God's gift. Here lies the difference between those created in the image of God and those that are the children of God. 

I would posit these thoughts and conclude with questions for us to consider. There were no guest rooms available for Mary and Joseph. Mary gave birth to Jesus in less than ideal circumstances. Whether it was an inn or an extended family's home, there was no room for the couple (or child). We wonder whether it was hardness of heart or overcrowding, but the reality is that they were not "comfortably" in a room. 

What about us? Is there room in our heart for God's love? Are our hearts overfull with the circumstances of life that leave no room for another? Or, can we hear the knock of the resurrected Jesus on the door of our hearts? He has promised that if we open said door, he will come in and be a part of our lives. 

"O Come to my heart, Lord Jesus. There is room in  my heart for Thee."