Advent Week 4: Love
Author:
December 21, 2023
We are so close! Just 4 days until Christmas! During the week that is traditionally overrun with errands and wrapping and cooking and last minute shopping, the meaning of Christmas can slip away as chaos allows frustration to seep in. I don’t think that it’s a coincidence that the last week of Advent is centered around the theme of love. When it’s easier to gripe at family because you’re overwhelmed, or yell at the person in the parking lot because there are no more spots left, love is a perfect reminder as to what this week means and why we do all of the shopping and cooking and festivities. We see love everywhere during the Christmas Season, and it truly encompasses the holiday perfectly.
Think about all of the moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends who spend time, effort, money, to find and carefully wrap all of the gifts for their family. Think about all of the people who make sacrifices to ensure that their children have the perfect Christmas. Think about the people up at 5am on Christmas morning cooking for 20+ people. Think about folks who work overtime and countless hours so that people can enjoy the Christmas season and make memories.
This holiday is so wrapped in love, but without the truest act of love none of it even matters. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
The gift of Jesus, the gift of Salvation and an eternity spent with our heavenly father is the purest, sweetest act of love we can experience. As you spend this week shopping, wrapping, with your family and friends, do not let the enemy taint one moment of your time on trivial frustrations. Rather, dwell in the love that comes on from Jesus Christ, and is the reason we celebrate this week.
So, as we finish out this Christmas season, let's put action to love. I have a few challenges for you this week. Amidst the chaos, busyness, and events, find a few moments to do these things:
1: Find a moment to tell someone that you love them. Not just in passing, but call, text, message, or write down why you love this person and the reason that they make your life more beautiful!
2: Engage in a genuine, loving conversation with a stranger. Chances are, you'll be hitting the grocery story, heading somewhere to pick up stocking stuffers, or attending a church service. Don't get so focused on what you have to do that you miss a moment to have a beautiful moment with a stranger.
3: Make a list of all the ways you have experienced God's tangible love in your life (trust me, there are a million!). Spend time thanking Him for each one.
So, I pray that your last few days before Christmas are loving, joyful, and filled with the presence of the Lord, family, and friends. Merry Christmas!
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