The fourth week of advent falls this year on the day before Christmas. It falls literally the night before the lighting of the Christ candle and that is so appropriate for this candle represents love. As we prepare for Christmas we are aware that Jesus, the reason for the season is only possible because of the love of God. He tells us this in His Word:
“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…But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us…You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Romans 5:6-8)
Our hope, our joy, our peace is only possible because of the LOVE of God. Everything pivots on this point. Our hope for eternal life; our joy in being forgiven; our peace made with God despite our sins and shortcomings are all possible because of the agape love of God. This is a love based not in the recipient (us) but in the giver (God.) It is an unconditional love based on the character of the One loving. Praise God that His love for us is based on Who He Is! What a love this is! God Himself says, “The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17) We are deeply, deeply loved.
We are called to go from the reflection of this love into action:
A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another…We love because He first loved us…and He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.’ (John 13:34,35; 1 John 4:19, 21)
Advent. Advent represents time that the church and community take to reflect on the meaning of Christmas. It is a time to look forward expectantly and to wait for what is coming and to anticipate with hope, with joy, with love and in peace. As you walk these final weeks before the hustle and bustle of Christmas morning, may you understand more fully these truths:
You are deeply loved.
You are important to God.
He set up Christmas and the birth of Christ JUST FOR YOU.
You can have peace with God.
You can have hope in the future.
And in all that, we celebrate with joy.
Remember, He will rejoice over you with singing! Merry Christmas!
Our song for today is A Miracle of Love by Chris Tomlin.