A Advent Reflection on Love

A Advent Reflection on Love with scenes from Bethlehem
It was a delight to be asked to do a reflection on love for Advent for New Life Church Coalville UK that we have regularly attended for many years. The video scenes are from a pilgrimage we made to the Holy Land a few years ago.
John 3 v 16 – 17
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

It’s almost here! The time almost everyone in the country finds so special. The excitement of children opening their presents; the joy of being with family and friends; even the fun of trying different foods. But in amongst all these things, and let us not forget the reason for them, is the birth of a very special baby. What an amazing sacrifice Jesus made, leaving the splendour and glory of heaven to live a very simple life here on earth. This is love! An amazing, wonderful example, so that by following it, we may be refreshed, renewed and restored. Now, I’ve heard it said ‘spare a thought for the true reason for Christmas’ but surely it should be more than a passing thought. Shouldn’t we express our thankfulness with praise, while remembering exactly what we’re celebrating?
But if you notice, at the beginning, we did say ‘almost everyone finding the time so special.’ We need to remember that there are those who will be on their own for Christmas. Those who can’t afford to buy presents for their children, those who are sick and those who can’t afford to buy any kind of special food. Do you know anyone who fits into one of these categories? For example, giving to Food Bank can help. Or more hands on, can you invite someone who’s lonely to join you for a meal on Christmas Day, or another day during that special week? What an opportunity to show God’s love by shining your light in the community, as expressed in 1 John 4 v 19 ‘We love because he first loved us.’ We’ll say it again – God is love! So let us look for ways we can express that love to others. So we hope and pray every one of you will have a fantastic, fun-filled Christmas!