“To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.”  – Timothy Keller

“Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God].” – 1 Corinthians 13:12 Amplified Bible

Within this life of ours, there can be no greater love found anywhere outside the boundaries of family.  The special bonds between husband and wife, sisters, brothers, parents, and children are unique beyond comparison.

The romance and affection found in marriage has an exclusivity all its own.  The commitment and sacrifice of each partner strengthens the bonds of intimacy.  When two separate people “become one” (Genesis 2:24), it’s as if their souls are connected by a supernatural force that cannot be broken.

The blood bonds that siblings share unite them in a way unlike any other relationship.  The years spent together growing up and sharing similar experiences have a way of exposing weaknesses, vulnerabilities, talents, and strong points that no one else could ever realize or comprehend.  No one can understand you and the depths of who you are like a brother or sister can.

Speaking of blood connections, are there any equal to those found between parents and their children?  I am a parent (and now a grandparent) so I understand fully the extraordinary and distinctive attachment in this connection.  As a parent, you become a child’s lifeline.  You feed them, provide shelter, guide them, cloth them and protect them in their human infancy and fragility.  If it wasn’t for a mom or dad, little children couldn’t survive.

Now in my older years, my children no longer rely on me so heavily.  But the tables have turned 😊  I don’t know what I would do without the support, guidance, and unconditional love of my daughters, who somehow overnight have turned from children to best friends who listen, give advice, and look out for me 😊  The parent/child relationship goes full circle – unlike any relationship you will experience in a lifetime.

This Christmas, cherish these people in your life and the unique, deep connection that comes with these special relationships where you are fully known and truly loved 😊

But let’s go deeper – especially when it comes to concept of being “fully known”.

So far, we have spoken about human relationships – the intimate connection between spouses, parents, children and siblings.  But how deeply can we be known by another human being?

Would these relationships be as tight and inseparable if we were “fully known”? 

Would marriages survive if spouses had the ability to read each other’s thoughts?  If a sibling really understood every detail about you, every flaw and idiosyncrasy you possess, would the years of growing up together create more judgement and disapproving opinion?  If they truly connected with every thought, every motive, and every action you have taken outside of their view or behind closed doors, would the bloodline connection be enough to maintain your bond?

What if every child knew the detailed history of their parents?  Would there be the same kind of respect, honor, and closeness?  If children were present as their parents made mistakes, moral failures, or could see into their flawed minds, would they still feel safe and secure?  Would their love become more conditional?

Thank God my friends not a single one of us are “fully known”.  It would be impossible to survive or nurture any type of human relationship.

But here is a beautiful thought this Christmas:  Our Creator does!

“You know everything I do; from far away you understand all my thoughts.  You see me, whether I am working or resting; you know all my actions. Even before I speak, you already know what I will say. You are all around me on every side; you protect me with your power. Your knowledge of me is too deep; it is beyond my understanding.” – Psalm 139: 2-6 GNT

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.  Before you were born, I set you apart for my holy purpose.” – Jerimiah 1:5 GOD’S WORD translation

Take some time tonight to grasp the depth of this! 

God knew you BEFORE you were created.  He knows about every thought, every motive, and every action you have taken in this life and those choices you haven’t made yet.  He sees the very essence of who you are, has viewed every mistake, knows every flaw and imperfection you possess.  He SEES you and UNDERSTANDS you in a deeper way than you understand yourself 😊  In Him, you are fully known!

What makes this so profound is the unconditional love that accompanies this knowledge.  The human flaws and failures hold no significance.  All those thoughts you had and all those things you’ve done outside of human sight and knowledge – He has seen and He STILL loves you beyond your ability to fathom.

In fact, Christmas Eve is all about that love for you.  He was born this very night so you might live – both now and through eternity my friend 😊 In Him, you are fully loved!

We talked about the special human relationships we all cherish but think about your relationship to the Creator and how special it truly is!

As Timothy Keller so eloquently states, it liberates us, humbles us, and fortifies us in every aspect of life.

Can there be a greater gift this Christmas?

I hope this Christmas Eve you reflect on all your loving relationships and see the value they hold in your life – taking time to thank God for each and every one of them!

Tonight, it’s my prayer you connect in a deeper way with the only relationship you will ever have where you are FULLY KNOWN and TRULY LOVED 😊 Christmas is a tremendous testimony to this very fact my friend.  What a wonderful thought!

May God bless you this Christmas and always!