The Gift of Love

 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (John 3:16-18 ESV).

 

Merry Christmas, Y’all! I hope you’ve begun a day that will be full of hope, joy, peace, and love! Throughout Scripture, God reveals his love as sacrificial, unconditional, and transformative. This profound love is at the heart of Advent love, shown through God’s gift of his son, Jesus Christ. Love is easily misunderstood. We often think of love in purely sentimental terms, thinking it means being happy or being nice. The Bible affirms that and that his sending Jesus into the world was an act of perfect love.

 

The Bible also clarifies that Jesus’ death and resurrection was the great act of love (John 3:16). This helps us see that love is sacrificial. I have seen it explained that, Love, whether used of God or man, is an earnest and anxious desire for and an active and beneficent interest in the well-being of the one loved. The Apostle Paul describes the attributes we pursue when we love someone (cf. 1 Corinthians 13). None of these attributes are easy things to practice, which means that we need God’s help to live them out. In fact, God must teach us how to love: before becoming Christians, we were dead in our sins (Ephesians 3:1), and we still struggle to do anything that is not self-centered.

 

Therefore, we know that love ultimately is about living a life centered on God. We can share and express God’s love in many tangible ways in our lives, especially around the Christmas season. Simple gestures, like a kind note, a phone call, or a hot meal, can encourage those around us who may be lonely this time of year. We can demonstrate this love by volunteering our time or resources to a local shelter, food bank, or toy drive to bless those in need. Another way to show God’s love is to pray for those around us regularly. By seeking ways to love and care for others, we embody the spirit of Advent love, reflecting Christ’s example in our daily lives. Accept and give the greatest gift this year… the love of god in Christ Jesus!