As we journey through the season of Advent, we reflect on the profound meaning of Christmas—the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God’s love. Over the last several weeks, we’ve focused on a different Advent theme: hope, peace, joy, and today, love. Love, the pinnacle of God’s character, is at the heart of the Christmas story.
In 1 John 4:7-12, we’re told: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love…”
Love is the essence of Christmas, for in the humblest of settings, God expressed His unconditional love by sending His Son into the world. The birth of Jesus is the ultimate demonstration of divine love, a love that reaches out to the broken, the weary, and the lost. It’s a love that transcends time and culture, inviting us into a relationship with the One who is Love itself.
Consider the shepherds on that holy night. They were among society’s outcasts, yet the angels appeared to them first, announcing the Savior’s birth. God’s love broke through the darkness and touched the lives of those often overlooked. In the same way, God’s love seeks us out in the midst of our struggles and shortcomings, offering hope and redemption.
In Luke 2:10-11, it says: “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'”
The birth of Jesus brings not only joy but the assurance of God’s everlasting love. The angels proclaimed this good news to the shepherds, emphasizing that Jesus is not just a baby in a manger but the Savior, the embodiment of God’s love, who came to reconcile humanity to Himself.
In the Christmas story, we read of the Magi who traveled from the East, guided by a star. Their journey was an expression of love and devotion, as they sought the newborn King to offer Him gifts. In their actions, we see the response to the love that God initiated—a journey of faith and worship. Like the Magi, may our lives reflect a continual seeking and offering of ourselves to the One who is Love.
As we celebrate the Advent of Love, let’s thank God for the incredible gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Let’s allow His love to transform our hearts and overflow into our relationships with others. And let’s learn to love as He loved, unconditionally and sacrificially. In this season of hope, peace, joy, and love, may we be beacons of His light, sharing the good news of Jesus with a world in need. Amen.
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