Has anyone reminded you lately of how much God loves you? Gifts are often given as tokens of love. Every time a Christmas present is opened, gifts are discovered inside the packages that shout I love you to the receiver of the gift. Engagement rings are given to fiancés on proposal night. They are usually very expensive gifts, and the sacrifice made to purchase the ring communicates volumes about the depth of love people have for each other. Just as a circle has no ending point, the circular form of the ring is symbolic of the never ending love and devotion the couple commits to each other.

We all need reminders from time to time. Remember how much God the Father loves the world. So much that He gave, not gold or jewels, but He gave His one and only Begotten Son. He did not give Him as an example only, but He gave Him as a sacrifice as well. God loved us enough to allow Jesus Christ to die in our place. He did not give Him when we deserved Him, for it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us.

Whether you are right with God or feel too far from God to make it back to Him, remember the cross and hear it broadcast the old but ageless promise to the world which God created, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 nkjv)