This is the fourth week of Advent, the Christian season of preparation for Christmas. We’re looking at some of the traditional themes of the season. This week: Revelation, Birthing, Love, and Rejoicing.
Today’s scripture: John 13:34-35 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Ben Lamb):
Years ago, actress Barbara Eden hosted a television special which focused on love. She began it with a tenderly-worded monologue about love and included a thought on how special the word is and mustn’t be used lightly. Her talk ended with, “Now, sit back and enjoy the show; you’re gonna LOVE it!” Clearly, she said the last part as a joke related to her monologue.
Yet, she touched on a valid point. The word love is, indeed, used lightly many times. How can a person have pure and genuine love for an inanimate object — a cookie, house, jewelry, or currency? I believe it’s impossible to have actual love for something unless the object of our affection is capable of loving us in return. I’m not saying the other being actually will return love; just that the other being is capable of it.
I’ve searched for the perfect definition of love, and believe Paul states it very well in 1 Corinthians 13. At the first Christmas, God gave to the world the gift of personified love and named that gift Jesus.
Throughout his recorded life, Jesus continually showed love to others. He exhibited the qualities of love found in 1 Corinthians, and even showed love as he was dying on the cross. I don’t know about you, but I would have a difficult time expressing any amount of love if I were unjustly being executed in a horrifically painful manner. However, Jesus managed to do it. (Luke 23:34, 42-43; John 19: 26-27)
When I ponder the mystery of why the Creator of all existence decided to give to humanity the ultimate love gift, I’m totally and indescribably overwhelmed internally with the sensation of love. It feels so wonderful that I want others to receive and experience this kind of love, too.
Thought for the day: Christmas can live within us every day of the year!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.