We have a sign that sits next to our nativity, “true love was born in a stable.” It’s difficult to imagine any greater love than God sending his only son to live with us on this earth.
The definition of love is an intense feeling of deep affection. Yet if we only see love as a feeling, love is unpredictable. Feelings based on emotions easily come and go, and love becomes unreliable—true love commits beyond feeling. And the best example we have of true love was born in a stable.
Let us stop just saying we love people;
Author of 1 John
let us really love them and show it by our actions.
That 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. During His time on earth, Jesus lived out love, showed us what it looked like to love others, and invited us to follow his example.
The words “I Love You” are quickly spoken but far more challenging to live. Thankfully we have been given an example of the greatest love.
Advent reminds us that we are so very loved and
invited to love one another from that place of being loved.
Questions for Reflection:
Have you accepted how much God loves you?
What is an attribute of love that is challenging to live out in the ordinary every day?
How might you express love to those in your home and community this season?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending us the greatest gift of love.
May we accept the love you have given to us and become known for your love lived out in our ordinary days.
Help us learn from Jesus’ example during his time on earth as we seek to live a life of love.
Give us listening ears,
Noticing eyes,
Compassionate hearts,
Open hands,
So that we might know your love and carry that love to others in our ordinary days.
May we know the true love that comes from you and share that love with the world.
Amen
May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we live fully present in this season of anticipation. May we overflow with love, knowing we are so very loved.
