Advent - Week Four LOVE

Advent has felt especially meaningful to me this year, and movement into this final week signifying LOVE has never seemed so important. I hope you join me today …

This final week of Advent, churches and homes around the globe lit the candle of LOVE, joining previous candles, symbolizing HOPE, PEACE, and JOY.

If I were asked to describe God in only one word, I would choose LOVE.

My favorite name for Jesus is Emmanuel (often, spelled Immanuel), which means God with Us. During 2024, I have tried to discover more about how Emmanuel illustrated God’s LOVE. As I’ve read and re-read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), I have gained a deeper appreciation for the extent of his love, which began as a tiny newborn baby.

A few years ago, I discovered the lyrics of a lovely Christmas hymn, written by Christina Rosetti (1830-1864), in which she personifies LOVE as that babe.  

Love Came Down at Christmas[i]

Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead,
Love incarnate, love divine;
Worship we our Jesus:
But wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token,
Love shall be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and to all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.
 

I know you are busy like I am, but I wonder if you would join me today for a moment to reflect on the amazing gift of Emmanuel—LOVE who came down at Christmas? 

 May your hearts and home overflow with love this week …


[1] https://www.songandpraise.org


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Week Three - What Sparks JOY in You?