John 3:16 is one of the most widely known verses in the Bible. This is, in part, because Christians keep it in the forefront of people’s consciousness. Think of the number of times we have seen someone in the stands of a sporting event hold up a sign that reads “John 3:16.” 16“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” This is the New Revised Standard Version—the King James Version that many of us memorized reads like this: “16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
We do not usually associate this verse with the birth story because the words are spoken by the adult Jesus rather than about the infant Jesus. The verse is found in the Gospel of John rather than either Matthew or Luke where the birth narratives are found. There is, however, probably no better text to read on Christmas Eve than John 3:16 because it is the reason for the season. The verse explains the “why” of the birth story. Often our churches are filled on Christmas Eve with the nominally religious—those who want to identify with Christianity (but not too closely), as well as, those for whom faith is a daily practice. These ones who come to be with family (because the Christmas Eve service is a tradition) need to be reminded that they are loved so much by God; in fact, there is no price too great for God to pay in order to redeem us . . . no price too great to free us up to be authentic, whole people.
At this Christmas time, may we all remember how loved we are . . . may we remember how valuable we are. Merry Christmas!
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