Advent

Sermon Title: Love in the Coming King

Text: John 3:16–17; 1 John 4:9–11 Theme: The Advent of Christ reveals the depth of God’s love for the world and calls us to reflect His love in our lives.

1. Introduction: The Love of Advent

Advent’s fourth Sunday focuses on love, the foundation of the season. Hope, peace, and joy all stem from God’s love. Quote John 3:16 as a summary of the Advent message: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.” Reflect briefly on Advent’s evolution, from early church traditions emphasizing Christ’s second coming to today’s focus on His first advent.

Transition: Let’s explore how God’s love is revealed through Christ’s Advent and how it calls us to respond.

2. Love Revealed in God’s Plan

John 3:16–17:

“For God so loved the world…” reveals the universal and sacrificial nature of God’s love. “…that He gave His only begotten Son…” fulfilled in the incarnation and crucifixion. “…so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish…” highlights God’s desire for redemption. 1 John 4:9–10: God’s love is not abstract but demonstrated through action: “By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.”

Historical Context:

The depth of God’s love is more profound when viewed in light of human history. Christ was born into a broken, sinful world. His coming fulfilled promises made to Israel and extended salvation to the nations.

3. Love Embodied in Christ’s Advent

The incarnation is the ultimate expression of God’s love:

Philippians 2:6–8: Christ humbled Himself, becoming human and obedient to death. Matthew 1:23: “Immanuel”—God with us—signifies God’s personal, loving presence.

Illustration:

Compare Christ’s incarnation to a king leaving his throne to rescue his people personally. His love is sacrificial, active, and purposeful.

4. Love Experienced in Our Lives

1 John 4:11: “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

God’s love calls us to reflect His character in our relationships. Romans 5:5: Through the Holy Spirit, God’s love is poured into our hearts, enabling us to love beyond human capacity.

Addition on Baptism:

Baptism is one of the clearest pictures of God’s love:

Romans 6:3–4: “We have been buried with Him through baptism into death…so that we too might walk in newness of life.” Baptism signifies new life in Christ, made possible by His advent and sacrifice. Today, as we baptize three individuals, we celebrate this powerful demonstration of God’s love—a love that is not distant but personal, inviting us into relationship with Him.

Application:

Reflect on how God’s love transforms us and calls us to love others. Challenge: Are you living in the assurance of Christ’s love, and are you reflecting that love to those around you?

5. Love Proclaimed to the World

The Advent of Christ is a declaration of God’s love for all nations. Isaiah 49:6: “I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Historical impact: From the apostles’ preaching to modern missions, the church has carried this message of love worldwide. Encourage the congregation to participate in proclaiming God’s love, through prayer, giving, and personal witness.

6. Conclusion: The Wonder of God’s Love

God’s love is eternal and personal:

Eternal in scope, fulfilling His redemptive plan. Personal in application, as He knows and loves each of us individually (Psalm 139). Advent reminds us that God’s love entered history to redeem and transform.

Suggested Psalm Reading: Psalm 103:8–14

“Yahweh is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.” This psalm beautifully captures the steadfast love of God celebrated in Advent.

Hymn Suggestion: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”

This hymn praises God’s perfect love revealed in Christ and calls for His love to dwell in us, aligning perfectly with the message of the sermon.