The story of Christmas celebrates the fulfillment of God’s promises and the incarnation of God in human flesh. That meaning is memorably captured by John 3:16. God loves, and God gives in order to save… It meant giving rather than getting, and Christ gave until He was empty; but His obedience led to an empty tomb and ultimate vindication that will culminate when throngs in heaven and on earth and under the earth, not just a host of angels, will bow down and sing glory in the highest to the One whose name is above every name.
— David Garland (b. 1947), Neutestamentler / Theologe
Related Bible passage: JHN.3.16
Topics: God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit, Eternity & Hope Beyond Death, Grace & Redemption
Occasions: The Church Year
David Garland
David E. Garland (* 1947) ist ein US-amerikanischer baptistischer Theologe und Neutestamentler, der über Jahrzehnte am Southern Baptist Theological Seminary sowie an der Baylor University lehrte. Er ist vor allem für seine fundierten Bibelkommentare zu den Evangelien und neutestamentlichen Briefen bekannt, die historische und altgriechische Textanalyse mit theologischer Ausgewogenheit verbinden. Für heutige Bibelleser bieten seine Auslegungen verlässliche Zugänge zum antiken Kontext und den theologischen Grundaussagen des Neuen Testaments.
All quotes by David Garland (26)
You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.
Augustine of Hippo
Jesus calls us not to a new religion, but to life.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I would not be able to seek you if you had not already found me.
Augustine of Hippo
When you see a child, you catch God in the act.
Martin Luther
God does not love us because we are lovable, but because his nature is love.
Oswald Chambers
God seeks you more than your offering.
Augustine of Hippo
God has his ear at your heart.
Augustine of Hippo
God is closer to us than we are to ourselves.
Augustine of Hippo