December 22

December 22 – Don Viers 

READ

John 3:16–17 – God So Loved the World

DEVOTION

As we enter the final week of Advent, we step into the theme that ties everything together – Love.  Not the sentimental kind we hear in songs, but the bold, sacrificial, undeserved love of God. Christmas is the story of a God who loved us enough to step into our world.

And there is no clearer expression of that love than John 3:16–17.

For many believers, this verse was one of the first they ever learned. It was for me. When I first came to Christ, my uncle told me, “Start by memorizing this one.” It was his way of saying, If you understand this, you understand the heart of God.

That’s the beauty of John 3:16 – simple enough for a child to memorize, yet deep enough to comfort the grieving, challenge the proud, and anchor the weary. If you’re new to Scripture, begin here. If you’re seasoned in Scripture, return here often.

It’s a twenty-six–word parade of hope “the Mississippi River of the Bible”—flowing straight into the heart of the gospel. It begins with God, ends with life, and invites all of us to believe.

And one word has always stood out to me: whosoever.

The “whosoever” of John 3:16 levels the ground at the manger and at the cross. It breaks down racial divisions, social classes, economic barriers, and cultural distinctions. It tells us that God’s love is not for a select few—it’s for everyone.

John Newton, writer of Amazing Grace, once said that if the verse had read, “that when John Newton believed,” he might think it meant someone else. “But whosoever,” he said, “means this John Newton, the other John Newton, and every person, whatever his name may be.”

That is the love Advent celebrates.
God loved.
God gave.
God sent.
God saves.
And whoever believes receives everlasting life.

Christmas reminds us that God didn’t wait for us to climb to Him. Love came down to us. Love put on flesh. Love entered a manger. Love stepped into our darkness so we could step into His light.

Love has a name: Jesus.
And love has an invitation: whosoever.

REFLECT

How does the word “whosoever” reshape your understanding of God’s love? Who in your life needs to be reminded that God’s love includes them?

PRAY

Lord Jesus, thank You for coming as the perfect expression of God’s love. Thank You that Your invitation includes the “whosoever” and I am thankful it included me. Help me rest in Your love today and share it freely with others. Amen.