Advent as one of God’s greatest acts of love

My family has had the same artificial Christmas tree for at least twenty years.

We’ve also wrapped that old, reliable tree in the same lights year after year.

The lights in question are all the same color, a rich crimson - like the curtain of an old school theatre. 

Seeing those lights shine is very calming to me. There’s the nostalgia factor, to be sure, but still something else, something deeper.

Those deep, red, gentle lights remind me of Advent love.

The Love We See on Advent

As the famous verse goes: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

God didn’t have to intervene in human history; He chose to. And why did He choose to do such a thing?

Because of His great love for us.

The very appearing of that baby in a manger and the life of ups and downs that followed can all be chalked up to God’s love.

The Second Coming, which Advent also points to, is another expression of that love.

It’s the reminder that God will finish what He started, that He loves this world and its people too much to leave us in darkness.

I’d argue that all the hope, peace, and joy of Advent find their strength and power from the love that underlines it all.

The evidence of such a love is seen each year Christmas rolls around.

Love Like Lights

It’s no surprise that Christmas has become a largely secular holiday.

That isn’t a critique of all the secular elements (I enjoy “Jingle Bells” as much as the next guy), but the fact remains, Christmas, in the 21st century, often has more to do with shopping than the birth of Jesus.

Yet His influence cannot be denied.

Because each year, billions gather across the globe to draw near to family and loved ones. To buy gifts for one another and cherish the time they spend with each other.

And the crazy thing is, not only Christians do this.

Despite the spiritual side being significantly downplayed, the love of Advent persists even in a secularized Christmas. It continues to transform the darkest month of the year into a time of celebration amongst loved ones.       

It’s truly a testament to the love of God, which made Christmas possible in the first place.

And, perhaps, as we reflect and hold tightly to hope, peace, joy, and love this season, we can find opportunities to put our loved ones back in touch with where this holiday began.

Because just like the lights shining on the family Christmas tree, the love of God breaks through, giving us the strength we need to walk from here to eternity.

Merry Christmas, and be blessed.

Jon,

Theophilus Newsletter