Open Hearted – Day 16 | Pam's Perambulation

Open Hearted – Day 16

It is perfectly possible to tell someone that you love them, but what has a much more lasting effect is when you show them. When you know what they need – and do it; when you stand alongside them through thick and thin; those little actions that show you care.

Throughout the Old Testament, God sent people to tell others how much he loved them. But they never quite grasped it. In the end he had to send someone to show us – Jesus.

Martin Addison [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

And so God came – with a human heart – to show us how to live and love, and to show us the depth of God’s love for us. A human heart, that can hold our heartbreak and our joys, if only we let him. God is not aloof, sat on a cloud, pushing the world around like chess pieces. God came and lived among us, got involved in all that human life is.

God’s heart is not restrictive. He has an endless capacity to love. Just like in our families, we can always find room and love for one more person when they arrive, God has more than enough love to go round. God’s heart is open to anyone, he makes no distinctions, no judgements. God’s heart is open to welcome you, and to love you to bits.

If you’re not used to allowing people to love you, God is a safe place to start.

If you can’t believe he loves you enough – he does, he came in human form to show that love.

God is longing to love you – and me. Will we let him?

Lord God,

I thank you for the depth of your love for me.

That you don’t just talk about love,

but come into our lives to show us.

Thank you

that you are love personified,

living in the world.

This day,

this Christmas,

I open my heart to you,

and all the love you have to give me.

Matthew 11:28-30

²⁸If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. ³⁰This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.

This year for Advent, some friends and I are using Advent and Christmas Wisdom from Henri J. M. Nouwen. You’re welcome to join us on this journey. Feel free to comment here, or on Twitter using #adventbookclub

Also blogging on the #adventbookclub are:

http://www.likeasthehart.me.uk/

http://drbexl.co.uk/

http://clairemaxim1.wordpress.com/

http://runninglife.wordpress.com/