The fourth candle of Advent is Love.
Christmas is a time of love and charity. A time to gather with family and friends near and far. A time to catch up while slowing down.
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful, or proud, or rude. It doesn’t demand its own way. It is not irritable and keeps no record of being wronged.
It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, it’s always hopeful and endures through every circumstance.
Three things will last forever. Faith, hope, and love.
And the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:4-6,13(NLT)
Unconditional Love
There’s always someone we may encounter that isn’t our favorite person. Many times, it separates the closet of friends and family. We stop going to the same parties and gatherings to avoid any conflicts. Do you know anyone like this? Unfortunately, this hurts the entire family. There was a time when my two oldest brothers avoided each other for years. My one brother that didn’t come missed a few Christmas gatherings as well as other family get togethers. It changes everything. And now my brother is now deceased.
God’s love for us is unconditional. He sent His one and only Son for us save us from our sins, to give us hope, to teach us to live a life of righteousness. And to love others. So, I am giving you a new commandment. Love each other just as I have loved you. You should love each other.
John 13:34(NLT)
Agape is love
Agape is Greek for unconditional love, used often in the New Testament. Let agape overcome strife in your family. We don’t always know what tomorrow brings.
The Christmas season is a time of thanksgiving, anticipation, and a time to reflect upon the relationships we have with others and with Jesus. Do your relationships with others reflect the goodness of Jesus? Take inventory of the relationships you have. And ask yourself, who you see Jesus in, and do others see Jesus in you!
The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:31(NLT)
Take time this holiday season to do something nice for someone else, even if you don’t feel like it. Remember that Jesus came into this world to serve others, we should follow his example.
Would you pray with me
Heavenly Father, this Christmas season I pray for all families to reconcile their differences and let agape be from the heart. I pray for a selflessness and benevolence. And we would slow down, enjoy the company of our friends and families. A time to reflect and feel your presence this season and envelop us in your peace, In Jesus name, Amen…
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