Mark begins the story of Jesus, not with a birth narrative, but with the messenger who prepared the way for Jesus. Isaiah prophesied that the messenger would be sent to prepare the way for the Lord. The messenger was John, called the Baptist. John preached a message of repentance. He told the people that one was coming who was far above him. The people needed to be ready for the Messiah who was coming.

Repentance and preparation, baptism and sensitivity to God, were only the first part of his message. And this was his message: After me will come one more powerful than I, the things of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. Through prophets like John people experienced God’s Power. Through Jesus you can have God’s power in you, changing you. That is why the gospel is so powerful.

Verse 9 is the first look Mark gives us of Jesus. He sets the story, not with angel visits or heavenly choirs. He sets the stage with the prophet John who announced Jesus at the baptism in the Jordan River. But it is not John who gives the final witness of who Jesus is—he does not have that much authority. It is God the Father and God the Spirit appearing with God the Son who shows who Jesus is.

A voice comes from heaven declaring Jesus as the beloved Son of God. Notice that the Father is speaking to the Son. You are my Son, whom I love. With you I am well pleased. Here we see the root of the love of Christmas. It is deeper than the love we show each other. It is even deeper than the love God shows us. The root of Christmas love is the eternal love between the Father and the Son.

Can we fully understand the depth of the love that exists between Father, Son and Holy Spirit? I don’t think so. But we can appreciate that it is deeper, stronger, more solid and more ancient than any love we can dream of. And with that in mind, we get a glimpse of the love that is behind the baby in the manger and the Christ of the Cross.

So when you give gifts this Christmas and do other things to show love for other people, remember that you are reflecting this deepest of love. There is more love here than just people being kind to one another. Think of yourself as showing the love of God when you show love to others. Your love will be more selfless, for God’s love is selfless. You may find yourself more able to love than you would with just your human ability. Reach to the love of God to supply power for your love.

When you reflect on God’s love for you this Christmas, it should bring a response. There is the outward response of singing hymns and praying, attending worship services to communicate your grateful love back to God. There is the inward response of your heart to God’s love for you in Christ. Remember, through a prophet like John the Baptist people can see the power of God. Through Christ you can receive the power of God. Spend time meditating on God’s word. Time in quiet with the Lord will change you. Is there a better response to God’s love?

Sometime, when your heart is still, reflect on the deep love of God that is at the root of all the love of Christmas. We are being called to witness the deep love that exists within the Godhead. We are drawn into it because the coming of Christ for us is an expression of that eternal love.