Advent: Love

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  
Love never fails.

This passage from 1 Corinthians 13 is often read at weddings, as part of the encouragement to the couple being married on how they should act towards each other in their relationship. It is a good and lofty goal, but if we’re honest with ourselves, is unattainable. We cannot do this.

By now you might be asking yourself, “This is Christmas, and this is now the fourth week of advent. What does this passage have to do with the birth of Jesus?” The answer is: everything!  

Jesus, the Son of God, is love. He perfectly demonstrates God’s love to us. He is love come to us, to save us, redeem us, and give us a new life full of His love. What I’d like you to do now is reread the passage above, but everywhere you see the word “love” (or it is implied) replace it with “Jesus”. That is the message of Christmas — God’s love has come to us because we could not get to Him.  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTOYekVnDsg — one of my favourite Christmas songs!)

This Sunday we will be gathering at our regular time of 4pm, but it will be a special Christmas service. Hope you can join us!

Blessings, Pastor Mike