The Outstanding Ornament
During Vespers tonight I’ll be leading a study on the third chapter of John’s Gospel. Here we’ll confront perhaps the most familiar passage in the Bible—John 3:16. It seems quite appropriate to be looking at this particular verse at Christmas time. Here John affirms, “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.” At Christmas we celebrate God’s love and the incredible gift of His Son.
While doing some research for tonight’s study I learned that the Greek word used for “world” in this verse has an interesting background. Apparently the word originally denoted an ornament. In his commentary on the Gospel of John Leon Morris writes, “The universe with all its harmonious relationships is the outstanding ornament, and thus the term came to be used of the universe at large.”
Some biblical scholars question whether the use of the word “world” in John 3:16 includes the planet earth; they claim that it refers only to human beings. I see no reason why God’s redeeming love would not include the entire cosmos as well. In Romans 8 the apostle Paul speaks of “the hope that creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” (v. 21) God’s gift of His Son was intended for all the world, not just humans; His saving love is extended to all of Creation.
Recognizing God’s love for Creation is important. If God loved the world so much He was willing to give His only Son for it, then we too should love the world. This love will include caring for this planet we call home. Like precious ornaments we place on our Christmas trees must be handled carefully the ornament called “the world” must be tenderly cared for and protected. God’s love for the world resulted in its salvation spiritually; our love for the world will help save it in other important ways.
–Chuck
(The junco and cardinal I photographed at my house this week also seem like ornaments on trees.)