Advent: Love
written by Vicki Yeats
The Candle of Love
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Love – a very famous Bible speaks of love: the verse is John 3:16. As I sit and ponder this well-known verse and reflect on Christ’s first advent, I am both in awe and am humbled at the understanding that God would give his son Jesus to be born into this world for not only my sake but for all the ages.
Then my mind turns to Mary, the mother of Jesus. I have always wondered what Mary must have felt when the Angel Gabriel told her that she would become pregnant as “the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Most High would cover her.” “For that reason the baby would be holy and be called the Son of God“ (Luke 1:26-38). Mary’s response was one of obedience, as she understood that she was a servant of the Lord and proclaimed “Let this happen to me as you say” (vs 38). Soon the baby boy was born, a son as the Angel had told her.
As a mother and grandmother myself, I know that at that moment Mary looks at her baby with so much love that it is uncontainable. Her heart is instantly changed by this precious baby, an immediate bond is formed, and a commitment to love and protect this child is made. That same love, expressed during Christ’s first advent, is the love that God has for you and me, but even more… an unconditional, unfailing, and unending love for you and me. Romans 8:39 tells us that “Nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, shall be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord”. Consider that thought. How wide and deep is the love of Christ for you and me!
As we light the second Advent candle together, may you fully understand the endless love that God has for you—a supernatural love that transcends all logic and ignites a change in the hearts of souls to love others, as Christ loves us. What an amazing opportunity we have this Advent Season, to share the love of Christ!
Prayer
Lord, as we continue in this Advent season may we pause often and give thanks for your amazing love. May we be mindful that during this season there are so many that are hurting. Open our eyes, Lord, that we would see what you see and give us the courage to step out and demonstrate your love in our actions and words. In your wonderful and precious name we pray, Amen.
