Gott ist die Liebe, Läßt mich erlösen: Gott ist die Liebe, Er liebt auch mich. Drum sag ich noch einmal: Gott ist die Liebe, Gott ist die Liebe, Er liebt auch mich.*

“God Loves Me Dearly.” Growing up in a Christian home set in a rural Southeast Missouri farming community, I cut my teeth on this beloved children’s Christmas hymn. Faith and family were the foundations of life.

On Christmas Eve, chores were completed a little earlier than usual. Cows were milked, livestock fed and bedded down, the chicken coop was secured; and we headed to church.

There in the hush of a cold winter evening, children’s voices rang out. My siblings and I, together with our elementary school classmates, eagerly told the story of God’s amazing love, of Jesus’ birth. Sentimental thoughts. Treasured Christmas memories.

August Rische, a German Lutheran pastor, penned “Gott Ist Die Liebe” desiring to introduce the homeless children with whom he worked to God. First seen in 1852, the words prevail true today nearly 170 years later:

How does God love me? Dearly. Profoundly. So that I may live.
This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. 1 John 4:9-10

How does God love me? Eternally. From eternity past into eternity future, God set me free from sin forever.
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

How does God love me? Completely. All the way. Jesus, the Son of God, suffered the full wrath and punishment for my sin.
But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners,
Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

How does God love me? Mercifully. Seeking the lost, forgiving and
restoring those who repent and turn to Him in faith. Jesus Christ was literally born to die.
But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5

In the stillness of the night at another time in history, heavenly voices rang throughout the sky. Angels. Messengers of God announcing, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 (emphasis added)

Who am I to you? Blog

Jesus was born of the virgin Mary. He took on humanity and lived a perfect life for you. He died a sacrificial death and rose to everlasting life for you. Even you. Yes, God loves you dearly!

*God loves me dearly, Grants me salvation,
God loves me dearly, Loves even me.
Therefore I’ll say again: God loves me dearly,
God loves me dearly, Loves even me.