Every year at Christmas I write my daughter a letter. I started when she was six months old. I write about the experiences we had during the year, what she’s learned, how she’s grown, and I tell her how very proud I am of her and how much she is loved. I kept them in a special box that I gave to her when she turned 18. It is my hope that one day these letters will remind her of how blessed I am to be her mama and that my love for her is immeasurable. That no matter where I am, my heart is with her.
God also wrote us a message: the Bible. His words of encouragement, guidance, patience, and love woven through the pages of a letter written over a period of more than 1,500 years, on three continents (Asia, Europe, and Africa) by more than 40 authors (some of whom wrote more than one book of the Bible). They wrote in three different languages: the Old Testament written primarily in Hebrew with some Aramaic. The New Testament written in Greek. The common cord linking centuries and generations is the unwavering, all consuming, sacrificing love of God.
You may find it interesting to know that the earliest portions of the Old Testament were recorded around 1400 BC and were completed around 400 BC with the book of Malachi. The New Testament books were written between 44 AD and 95 AD. The Bible was written by humans who put ink to scroll. But the words, the message, the instructions –were divinely given from our Father in Heaven.
The Biblical authors lived in different eras and came from different cultures. Some were Jews. Some Gentiles. Some kings. Some paupers. Some were highly educated, and some had little to no formal education. Some were religious leaders, some political leaders, some prophets, and some ordinary individuals called to share an extraordinary message.
The disparity among the authors and their background should logically result in inconsistencies, even contradictions. But they don’t. Because the Bible, from the first book to the last, is a love letter from a Father to His children. An instruction book. A daily devotional. Hope under challenge. Comfort in grief. Assurance in uncertainty.
1 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
This letter, penned by man, inspired by God, is the hope of a parent for His children. It is a recounting of moments in time when His children honored Him, and His heart was full. It is a telling of seasons of disobedience that I suspect disappointed a Father for whom discipline was the only recourse. It is the lifesaving beautifully suffocating truth of a Father who sacrificed His Son. A broken-hearted parent who gave everything knowing it was the only thing that would gather His children home.
The letters I write to my daughter come from a deep place of love and gratitude. From a desire to capture and share life’s journey with her through memories and lessons learned. To encourage her as she reads them, hopefully recognizing her growth and worth. The knowledge that, no matter what, I will fiercely protect her and forever hold her. From a mama’s heart to the heart of her daughter to whom she is forever linked.
The Bible is God’s love letter to us. The expression of all we’ve overcome, all that is promised, and full assurance of a parent who promises never to leave. A parent willing to sacrifice everything that He might hold us. A Father who loves so deeply that He has given us His Word that we might carry it in our hearts.
Hebrews 4:12 tells us: “For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints, and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
The Bible is as relevant and alive as it was when each of those authors transcribed the words of the Father. It is accountability. Comfort. Direction. Guidance. Peace. It irrevocably links us to the source of our existence. And if you let it, it will penetrate your heart, your mind, and your soul. It will flood the deepest darkness with life-giving light.
It is a precious gift from a Father. A lifeline in a turbulent world. It is, and will always be, the greatest love letter ever written.