The final week of Advent looks at the theme of Love. Ultimately the entirety of the Incarnation emphasizes this theme. Love is often described in Scripture as the motive behind Jesus’ coming. Many know John 3:16 well, “For God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son…” Consider too 1 John 4:10, “This is love, not that we have loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” Christmas is the season of love, but not the sappy Hallmark Movie love. Rather it is a love that came at all costs, a divine love unlike anything else. So, at Christmas we ought to meditate upon God’s love for us, and in turn, our love for Him.
Here are some artistic elements to help you in your reflection this week, things to listen to and things to read.
To Listen:
- “Jesus Messiah” by Chris Tomlin
- “Open Up” by The Brilliance
- “I Celebrate the Day” by Relient K
To Read:
- “Christmas is Coming” by Sinclair Ferguson, in Love Came Down at Christmas: Daily Readings for Advent. UK: The Good Book Co, 2018.
- “A Hymn to God the Father” by John Donne
- “My God! O Let Me Call Thee Mine” by Anne Bronte
- “The Christmas Ladder” by Ed Welch
Pastor Dave Online 