THE FOURTH CANDLE OF ADVENT

(The Candle of Love)

The fourth candle is the candle of Love.  Jesus demonstrated self-giving love in his ministry.  Advent is a time for kindness, thinking of others, and sharing with others.  It is a time to love as God loved us by giving his most precious gift.  As God is love, let us be love also.

“For the Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed.  He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing.  So you, too, must show love to foreigners …” Deuteronomy 10:17-19a

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples .”  John 13:34-35

Read

Revelation 21:1-4

Challenge

This passage reminds us that God will make all things new.  How should that animate us to love each other better?

Quote

“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple:  loving others.  Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that .”  (Bob Hope)