HOME
Daily Devotions for the Advent and Christmas Seasons
Friday, December 18
John 3:16-21
by Marc M. Minemoto
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son . . .”
Christians often quote John 3:16 as a way to introduce their faith to others. So I chose this passage for my devotion in order to testify to you about my faith and my relationship with God over the years.
Many people and things have come and gone in my life, but John 3:16 stayed. It’s the first Bible verse I ever memorized. That was as a teenager 40 years ago at the Assemblies of God Chinese Christian Center.
In the mid ’70s, though, I went on to live in darkness and evil, and as in verses 19 and 20, I loved the evil that I lived in. Even then, I heard street evangelists use John 3:16. I read it on billboards along the highways. I wondered sometimes why I kept noticing it throughout my life.
When I became physically ill ten years ago, I began some soul-searching about why my life was ending up this way. Once a stranger stopped to speak with me. He pulled out a Bible and began to read John 3:16 to me. After that, he invited me to come to Sunday worship at his church.
I attended Cumberland Presbyterian Chinese Church for about five years, and I began to know why my life became what it was. It was God all along. In time, I realized that God gave me my disabilities so I would not be able to harm myself or others ever again. I felt God’s presence. The power of the Holy Spirit took hold in my life. I hadn’t felt peace in this way for years.
I ventured from church to church to find the purpose I was searching for. Well, I found it at PCC! The education I received here and doing God’s work for the community in Chinatown have been such wonderful blessings.
I understand now why this passage has been a part of my life, and like verse 21, I keep trying to stay with the Light. It’s not easy. However, the Light is much better than the darkness and evil of mankind. I know I still have a lot to do and learn here at PCC, but it will be worth the effort!
Prayer
Father, may we celebrate the season of Advent with joy and love in our hearts always, and may we remember to follow Jesus’ teachings. Amen.