When we sing beloved Christmas songs, we often proclaim God’s love to the world.
Joy to the world….let earth receive her king…
Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till he appeared…
Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere…
And on and on we could go. But these aren’t convenient rhymes or empty words—when Jesus came to save the world, it was for everyone who would believe.
What makes this so startling is that the whole Old Testament pointed to the redemption of God’s people, most often understood to be the Israelites—the people God set aside in Genesis to be His people. And yet, as early as God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12, we see that God promised to not only bless this specific people (Abraham’s descendants) but rather the whole world. This is revolutionary love, love that transcends race, cultural identity, geography, and more. It is a privilege beyond measure not just for those born of Abraham’s biological family but for anyone who acknowledges their sin and receives the free love and mercy of God.
In Isaiah 49, the prophet proclaims this truth: “It is not enough for you to be my servant raising up the tribes of Jacob and restoring the protected ones of Israel. I will also make you a light for the nations, to be my salvation to the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6).
Then after the birth of Jesus, the righteous man Simeon proclaimed a blessing on the baby at the temple: “You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples—a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your people Israel” (Luke 2:31–32)
This gives us a clear thread, from Genesis to Luke, of God’s ultimate plan of redemption that included not just the Israelites but also the Gentiles. Jesus himself set an example of this in John 3–4 when He shared the good news about Himself with a Jewish person (Nicodemus), a Samaritan woman (the woman at the well), and a Gentile (the official’s son). Later in Acts 1:8, Jesus charged the disciples with taking the good news to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth.
God proclaimed His love to the whole world when He sent Jesus that first Christmas. And it is a love that extends beyond any human boundary because it is a perfect love that is available to anyone—regardless of status as Jew or Gentile. And as God’s people, we get the extraordinary privilege of bearing witness to that life-changing love to everyone we meet.
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67 thoughts on "Love Proclaimed"
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be the Messiah of Israel and of the entire world. I pray that I continue to grow in Your word and develop a faith like Simeon who trusted and waited with anticipation for You to fulfill all that You promised. Thank You that Your Word stands true forever. And thank You for Your promise that if I keep the faith I will see Jesus, one wonderful day. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.
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Amen
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We were outside the fold of God and Jesus in all His mercy brought us in! How beautiful our Savior is.
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Thank you, Jesus for the love that extends beyond human boundary. It is a perfect love for ALL people!
Thank you Jesus! I pray I can show and extend YOUR love to those around me.
The day after Christmas can be a little sad. There is so much anticipation and then it’s over. The good news is that it really isn’t over! Jesus is still alive, and his spirit is still living inside all of us Christians. I pray that I would be able to proclaim his love to all of those around me. ❤️ this devotional was such a great reminder!
Heavenly Father, help me share your light to my family for Christmas❤️ amen
We are so blessed that God extended His love to anyone who will come to Him. Based solely on His grace and mercy. Thank you Jesus!
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I noticed in the gospel reading that Joseph and Mary were too poor to afford a lamb for the purification offering, so they brought two birds instead. No one realized that Jesus was the lamb.
That’s a profound observation, Annie. Thanks for sharing.
Oh wow Annie! That is a good observation. I did not catch that.
Great observation! Thank you!
Morning, She’s! Glory to God in the highest!! I am so moved over the profound love that God has for us. It reminds me of the song Reckless Love by Cory Asbury “ Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God “. I love the imagery of the scripture of Simeon’s promises being fulfilled. Getting to hold his savior. Thank you Lord, for fulfilling promises and continuing to do so in our lives. Powerful reminder that Gods miracles are not done working on us, She’s. Sending love!!
Great song! I haven’t heard it in a while. ❤
love this song!
Dear Shes, catching up
on the day after Christmas.
I spent yesterday, shamelessly immersed in the “sweet thoughts & warm sentiments” as Erin Davis, the devotional author, said. Agreed, I need more than a short term Christmas spirit; but a forever Savior. God intended & offered from the beginning.
Not that celebrating the season with ribbons & bows; cookies & cocoa; peppermint & fir candles are without place or pleasure. Life can be “either; and”.
So this morning I can sit quietly & reflect on a transcendent love. And give thankful praise for His coming, an eternal gift. Not fanciful; filled with mercy. As the light in a child’s eye.
One She Sister summed it up in her prayer this morning, “Thank you, Eternal One, for stepping into time & giving me a new heart that can receive Your loving kindness & grace.”
On another note, returning to She community comments yesterday…I was troubled by the following:
SARAH PIXLER says:
December 25, 2024 at 8:34 am
“I give up. Bye y’all, enjoy your fatalism and tiny lens of existence.”
I, as many, offer up wishes, hopes, prayers for her disposition & proclamation. Trusting it was not a hoax or satanic inflection. Any digital platform can be subverted.
With appreciated & respect for this, our shared space.
Amen & Amen
Same, Gwineth52, when I read Sarah’s post. Joining you in prayer for her.
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What a challenge for us to proclaim God’s love to the entire world! We can’t just sit on it in our pew or chair at our church. We must pick up the mantle of the disciples and share the gospel with our world.
Praying for all today! “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.””
Luke 21:28 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/luk.21.28.NIV
A PERFECT love that is available to anyone – regardless of status… THANK YOU JESUS! YOU came for all-of-us! Your not picky. I’m so grateful to OUR Jesus as I can not and will not do life without HIM! SARAH PIXLER, you’ve been on my mind and I’m praying for you. YOU Sarah, are loved by our JESUS!
God’s love is perfect and it’s available to anyone…oh how I wish the lost world would see the love of God. It is all around us, and it’s especially evident as we celebrate Christmas and all that it means.
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Because of God’s perfect love, He gave us the perfect gift – Jesus. He is all we need. Salvation is offered to all, one only has to accept this free gift.
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May each of us continue to share the light and love of Jesus, may we let the whole world know!
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Happy Boxing Day!
Amen!
JESSICA THOMAS – The last sentence in Melanie’s devo reminded me of your comment yesterday! ❤
MELANIE – thank you for this beautiful devo! A BREATH OF PROMISE! ❤
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Luke 2:32 – “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your people Israel.”
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With today’s reading, I am again reminded of this beautiful lullaby-ish song:
Simeon’s Song by Michael Card
An old man in the temple, waiting in the court
Waiting for the answer to a promise
And all at once he sees them in the morning sunshine
A couple come and carry in a baby
Now that I’ve held Him in my arms
My life can come to an end
Let Your servant now depart in peace
I’ve seen Your salvation
He’s the light of the gentiles
And the glory of His people, Israel
Mary and the baby come and in her hand five shekels
The price to redeem her baby boy
The baby softly cooing, nestled in her arms
Simeon takes the boy and starts to sing
Now that I’ve held Him in my arms
My life can come to an end
Let your servant now depart in peace
‘Cause I’ve seen Your salvation
He’s the light of the gentiles
And the glory of His people, Israel
And now’s the time to take Him in your arms
Your life will never come to an end
He’s the only way that you’ll find peace
He’ll give you salvation
He’s the light of the gentiles
And the glory of His people, Israel
Songwriters: Michael Card. For non-commercial use only.
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Praying for you all! ❤
Yes Abby. The steadfastness of my walk was encouraged today.
Today’s reading was such an encouragement and charge for me! Reading the story of Simeon and Anna meeting Jesus in the temple reminded me (again) of the importance of remaining dedicated and faithful to the Word of the Lord. They not only spent their own lives waiting for the Lord to reveal the fulfillment of His promise of a Savior, but they had also been raised and surrounded by people who had also done the same—undoubtedly watching people fall away as time continued to pass with no answers. Likewise, Mary and Joseph remain faithful to the Law given to them in the Old Testament by taking Jesus to the temple for the dedication/purification. I can only imagine the quiet whispers and pointing fingers of people who still believed Mary’s pregnancy was a scandal, but still they remain faithful to the teachings. Faithful dedication leads to such incredible and abundant joy, for everyone in this story, and it’s only the beginning. Sometimes I find myself feeling a little sad the day after Christmas, because it feels like it’s all over, but reading these passages today reminds me that the story is NOT over, not even close. We carry this hope, this joy with us today, and may we hold the same dedication to the faith as Anna, Simeon, Mary, and Joseph as we await the second coming of Christ which has been promised to us.
Yes, so true! Good thoughts! The way is not easy, but the faithful receive Glory!
Amen well said.
Abby, I commented before I read yours;it seems our minds were on the same track. You spoke the thoughts I didn’t speak, but just summed up. Thank you!❤
So perfectly said!
Faithful dedication leads to such incredible and abundant joy! Noted this
The baby Jesus is here! We are off and running now! Yet, we get these few snippets of Jesus, the baby that was prophesied and recognized by Simeon and Anna and then we hear about him going about his Father’s business when he gets left behind when he is still a boy. But then…we know very little of growing up the king of the universe until his 3 year ministry with the disciples. (I could be overlooking, but you get the gist!). Like, you might think we would have a diary of all his growing up years? But yet, the Bible gives us just what we need to know.
We know that Jesus was love. That God is love. And through the Holy Spirit we too, are love. You would think us full of love would be such a joy to be around, we would be the stars of the show! Everybody flocking to be my friend like I’m Paris Hilton. And I guess I’m pretty likable- I mean…I will make you feel loved and seen, and give you a big hug. Yet- I can be cantankerous and moody, it’s true. I put on my best self, then feel drained and tired, and unsociable. I get lazy, and self-centered, and self-righteous.
Lord, give us a never-ending well of love. Give us a heart that doesn’t grow bitter and selfish, but tirelessly shines a light of love and truth for you Lord. You are my daily bread, that I need to feed others. We desire you, we love you, and we need you. We thank you for loving us first, and showing us what the cost was and is. We long for the day of your coming back, taking us home, and a world made perfect again in your abounding love. But until then, may we keep sowing the seeds, watering and waiting strongly for the harvest.
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Yes Rhonda a never ending well of love. It is so easy to get caught up in our hurts, expectations, and self we lose sight of the source of our love. I pray Lord God you fill my broken places to overflow so your love is shown to others.
I have had that same thought Rhonda. About what JESUS life was like during his growing up years. And I just had this thought maybe he grew up like any normal child experiencing all that of any child would experience. And not some high and might person making us feel like we can’t measure up, as our JESUS was humble and loving everyone no mater their status.
Thank you Jesus for your love that is truly without boundaries – limitless in availability to all. Oh that I could show that same love!
I’ve always been struck by verse Luke 2:33 – why were Mary and Joseph amazed when they knew who Jesus was? Looking up some commentaries, it is believed they were amazed that Jesus was impacting other people and the Spirit was showing others who He was. Must have been a pretty amazing life to watch!
Thank You, Eternal One, for stepping into time and giving me a new heart that can reveive Your lovingkindness ànd grace. May my changed life be a witness to Your power and glory.
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Happy Boxing Day, Shes.
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Praying for your requests.
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Please pray for my mom. She fell at home and severely broke an arm. She has been in hospital a couple of day a waiting surgery on it. That is scheduled for this morning. Praying it goes well and the healing will be swift. Thank you ❣️
Praying for your mom. ❤️
Oh, no, Kelly! Praying in agreement with you for your mom! May God guide the hands caring for her and grant strength and patience to your mom as she heals. ❤
I am so sorry to hear – prayers for your mom’s surgery!
Praying for your mom’s surgery❤️
Oh goodness! praying surgery went smoothly and that she has a good recovery!!
How difficult is it to receive love?
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We put ourselves out there on Tinder, Match.com, etc, looking for love. Looking for a place to park our hearts, with the hope of everlasting ..
We put our bestest photo out there, and for a while the excitement is real, the glow is aglow, the heart beats are irregular, and as for the butterflies, well blow me down.. what a feeling…
But here’s the thing… however this love presents itself.. however long it lasts.. be it 20 years, 75 years or the blessing of 80+ years, that love is temporal ( though it will be blessed and happy for the most part)…
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BUT GOD..
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Oh, BUT GODS love..
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There is no need for make up.
No need for the best photo introduction.
No need for embellishing the truth.
No need to brush up on anything..
No need to be anything, other than ourselves..
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His love, has been since time immemorial, absolutely from Genesis 1!
It has always been available, but now through Jesus’ birth and life, we have an access that is always, always open to receive this great love..
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Having received and experienced this great love, Lord, I pray I can be a witness to this life changing love that needs for us to do nothing, but, believe, to come as ourselves, and our true hearts and ready to receive..
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Amen..
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Happy Boxing day, my loves..❤️❤️
Amen! Well said Tina. ❤️
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Love this sweet Tina. No need for ANYTHING other than ourselves!
Love this, Tina! ❤️ What a God we serve!
love this, and you! thank you!
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Amen I receive Your love, Grace, Mercy. Let me freely give as well. In Jesus name, Amen
‘Simeon took him in his arms and praised God …’
I love this picture. Simeon who had patiently waited in faith doesn’t just get to see Jesus, he holds his salvation in his arms – ‘a light for revelation’.
Thank you Jesus that because of your humble sacrifice all those who believe are being held in your arms of mercy and love. Amen
❤ “… all those who believe are being held in your arms of mercy and love. Amen. ” Amen!
May we all feel God’s love today and look for opportunities to share with those around us – family, friend, stranger.
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In reading yesterday’s comments this morning, the devo (at least the first part) struck a nerve with many, including me. I’m guessing not many of us want to look in the mirror on any given day at our true selves and the real world, and certainly not on Christmas (!) … but not wanting to look at it doesn’t change reality.
Praying for all, especially the lost and hurting.
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DANIELLE B – thankful you slept well ❤️
MOLLY S – praying for your nephew to turn back to God. I was that 20 – 25 – 30 year old – nothing is impossible for God.
GEORGIA – praying for you, in the difficulties and stress you’ve been experiencing
SARAH PIXLER – ❤️ echoing other sisters’ comments from yesterday – we are here for you, praying you’ll rethink your goodbye and continue to study God’s word with us. Regardless, praying you find the peace you seek in Him.
‘But not wanting to look at it doesn’t change reality’. Thank you Searching. It was a tough one yesterday but this is so true. ❤
Agree with your statement about the reality of it. Although yesterday’s reading was humbling, I truly appreciated it. More and more I get restless with the endless materialism during the Christmas season and see the need for refocusing on Jesus and why he came into the world…the save us because he loves us ❤️
Amen, Searching. If we cannot be honest about why Jesus had to come, then where is the reason for celebrating?
Truth!
I love this Kelly. ❤️
Good to see you comment this morning Searching. I missed you yesterday!
Any word on your relative in the facility that had the recent outbreak? ❤
Thank you for asking. Today is last day of isolation, praise the Lord.
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Amen
So grateful that God’s love extends to us all! ❤️
Amen