As we Reflect on the Christmas Story, we don’t have to look hard to find true love. God sent His only son to earth to live among us; what greater example of love can you find? During His time on earth, Jesus lived out love and showed us what it looked like to love others and he invited us to follow his example.
The baby Jesus born in a stable grew up to live a life of love, having compassion for all people, especially those that others considered unloveable. Jesus respected and gave value to all people, women, children, and the poor. Jesus listened patiently and responded with gentleness, he encouraged others to love one another as he loved.
While love is not a checklist of tasks to complete, we have been given an invitation to consider what loving others might look like.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want more than what is theirs.
Love doesn’t show off,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the telling of truth,
Puts up with a lot,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
And keeps going to the end.
(adapted from Pauls letters to the Corinthians, The Message)
As we light the fourth candle of Advent, let’s consider if the love we say we have for others is reflected in how we live.
Just as Jesus has loved us, we also are invited to love one another.
Joy Marker
Let’s pause to consider if we have accepted the invitation to love others as Jesus loves?
Do we really care for the world in need, even loving the unlovable?
What is an attribute of Love that is challenging to live out in the ordinary every day?
Darkness can not drive out darkness: only light can do that.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Hate can not drive out hate: only love can do that.
