Photo by Jez Timms on Unsplash
Dear Advent People,
May Christ’s love be with you this Christmas. These weeks before Christmas are often characterized by thoughts of love. And God’s love, a special kind of love, is what this fourth Sunday in Advent is all about. However, God’s love is not the kind of love shown by gifts; or good friends; or a flirtatious relationship. God’s love, which we celebrate today, is the selfless, sacrificial love He has for His creation. The kind of love that led Him to send Jesus, His only Son, into the world, giving Him up to death so that “whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)” In just a few days, we’ll once again celebrate the birth of Jesus, God’s own Son. Through Him, all who, by the power of the Holy Spirit, have faith, receive the Father’s gifts – forgiveness and eternal life.
As we hear God’s word this week, He delivers hope to all who believe in Him in these joyous images of His love for His creation. We see a glimpse of God’s love in the promises He makes through Isaiah that He would send His Son, Immanuel – “God with Us” – into the world to save it (Isaiah 7:10–17). We read Paul’s summary account of Jesus’ life which shows His Father’s love by saving His creation (Romans 1:1–7). Finally, we see God’s humble, faithful servant Joseph, filled with the Holy Spirit, showing this special love of God to the world by willingly loving his wife Mary as she bears God’s own Son (Matthew 1:18–25).
Remember the love God has for you … not just this week, but throughout the year. A love given through His Son, Jesus Christ – fully God and fully man – foretold by the prophets of old … born to a woman named Mary … raised by a man named Joseph … given “to save His people (you and I included) from their sins (Matthew 1:21).” The greatest gift of love ever given. Given to you, to me, to all mankind.
In the Love of God,
Pastor Jim