As you know, we are firmly in the midst of the Advent season for 2023. This past Sunday, my church celebrated one of the Advent words: Love. During the service, we saw an incredible display of divine love as two high school football players came forward to be baptized! They understood and believed that Jesus loves them, so much so that He came into this world, lived a sinless life, and gave Himself up so that sinners, like them, could have eternal life with God. My eyes were wet, much like the baptismal waters, because this moment reminded me of the love that God has for me.
John 1:14 says: “And The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…”
Jesus, God Incarnate, came down and experienced human life and death–out of love. He became the sacrificial Lamb of God–out of love. He invites us to commune with Him for eternity–out of love. This Advent season, I would like to encourage you to think about the word Love, as well as the other Advent words we emphasize. Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love are all words that define our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As we quickly approach Christmas Day, ask yourself, “What do these words mean in my life?”
My hope is that, as you share physical gifts with your loved ones this year, you will also cherish the invaluable gift of life that only comes from Jesus. This is a gift you cannot buy at your favorite store! The Apostle Paul even reminds us:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,”
What a precious gift this is! Thanks be to God that, in Christ, we have been saved from the wages of our sins; instead, Jesus followers get to experience life in Him in the present time, as well as in the life to come. His First Coming into this world paved the way for us to reconcile with God and have our eternal hope secured. Jesus IS the reason for the season; but, He is also the reason for the otherworldly love that two high school football players, myself, and you can experience and share with others. To celebrate Advent, share the gift of Jesus Christ with your family, friends, and neighbors!
