In the vast emptiness of space, outside of time itself, I existed. Rather, I always existed. In fact I created everything there ever was. With a single word I spoke every galaxy into motion and filled them with all kinds of planets, spinning them all into orbit. There was one special planet. In it I carved mountains and oceans, and filled them with all kinds of living creatures. Everything was good, but something was missing.

See, I am love. I wanted to show my love through my creation, so I created you in my own image. You would reflect my love in a perfect, intimate relationship. You would work but not feel pain… we would walk and talk… I would know you and you would know me.

But then something happened. We couldn’t be close anymore. Not like we were, anyway. You stopped being able to see or hear me. You all started being mean and hurtful to each other. Comparing yourselves, treating poor people, sick people, traveling people, women and children, like they were less than human… you all even started killing each other. I’ve been trying to guide you and help you know how to love yourselves and each other, but you aren’t listening to me. 

So, I have a plan (I always do). I’ll become just like you and live with you. I’ll be born as a baby, grow as a child, and live as a human being. I’ll experience what you experience, and I’ll feel what you feel. I’ll have growing pains, I’ll be laughed at in school, I’ll make friends — some of whom will stick by me, others will betray me. And in the end, I will die for you. (But that’s for another letter.)

You won’t understand it all, but that’s okay. The maker of the universe, the God of all creation, entering humanity as a child, being raised by a poor family is all really hard to comprehend. But know this: I am doing it all out of love. To show my love, for you to know my love, and for you to love each other. 

After all, this isn’t any ordinary letter. It’s a love story. And this is the first Christmas letter.

Love,

God