For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  John 3:16-17 CSB

The theme for our last week of advent is love. The Bible is a love story; the story of God’s love for us, humanity created in His image. Even though we sin and disobey God, His love is faithful and never ending. On that first Christmas, God sent His Son to earth to pay the price for our sin.

Jesus loved us so much that He left heaven to be born as a helpless infant to a poor family. Jesus loved us so much that He gave His life on the cross to present us as righteous before His Father God. No one has greater love than this: to lay down His live for his friends. John 15:13

Jesus laid down His life for us because of His great love for us. His love called us. His love saved us. His love can save “everyone who believes in Him.”

The next part of the love equation depends on us. We have only two responsibilities. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27 These are the words of Jesus. Do we love our Lord first and foremost? Do we love others?

Not only during this Christmas season, but all year long, let us remember God’s great love for all of us. Let us put Him first, let us love Him wholeheartedly. And let us allow His great love to flow through us to others. Let us love in deed and not just in words.

This week, share the love of God and Jesus with others. Shine the hope, peace, joy, and love of advent for all the world to see.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me as we acknowledge the love of the Lord and our responsibility to return and share that love.

Blessings of love, hope, peace, and joy!