Advent Week 2 Love

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKSU9Dbxvrw

When Love Was Born by Mark Shultz

God is LOVE.

God loves us so much He SENT Jesus to this fallen world to pay for our sins and redeem the world that suffers because of mankind’s poor choices (SIN). “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son and WHOSOEVER believes in HIm, will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Fellowship with God restored. We once more can enjoy face to face fellowship with the Creator of the Universe. We can enter the Holy of Holies to make our petitions and be heard. We can ask anything and know that all of heaven responds to bring us the answer.

The flip side of this LOVE coin where we receive so much is the expectation of God that we share His LOVE with others. (John 13:34-35)

Godwink moments

In my life, I have been blessed with the love of parents, grandparents, siblings, a husband, children, granddaughters, friends, colleagues, and even complete strangers I met unexpectedly. Just a few weeks ago, I sat down at a table in Cracker Barrel for a solo meal on my way home from the hospital, after staying with a friend who had had surgery; and, a most delightful person at the next table spoke to me. The hour I expected to be lonely, turned into a beautiful conversation with a new friend. We had much in common: single, moving to a new community, needing to find a church to call home, and venturing into what might as well be outer space and we are the aliens. Her warm smile, easy laugh, and kind, complimentary comments open a door I never saw coming. A Godwink, just like the Hallmark movie. A holiday surprise. LOVE given and I received.

Love is all around us.

We must slow our pace, abandon our agendas, and open our hearts to those around us. This is how God’s love touches us. I wonder how many miracles I have missed. How many angels I failed to entertain by galloping through my days just trying to cross the finish line, marking off all the entries of my “to-do” list. So often, I have missed the beauty of the ride.

LOVE originates with God.

Every expression of love came from Him. As I light my second purple Advent candle, which is also called the Bethlehem candle, I will look for other expressions of His love for me. I will start with remembering Jesus came to prove His Father’s love for me! I will make room in my heart for Jesus and others.

Make Room by Casting Crowns

Addtional Reading by Tricia Cook

Christmas Memories Too