Love Is Tricky
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The 4th Sunday of Advent: love & Magi.
The 4th Sunday of Advent: love & Magi.
This is the 4th and final Sunday in Advent. As I have mentioned earlier the candle is for love and/or the Magi who came to visit him.
We need to remember foundational truths.
We need to remember foundational truths.
These are the things which do not change, regardless of everything else. The message of the Gospel, Jesus coming in the flesh to save and be our Lord, is not a new story. We find the beginnings in the OT.
Even good things can become idols.
Even good things can become idols.
In our passage this morning in John 3 we hear the story of old. Tell the serpent story in a “fresh” way. This point is where we need wisdom.
The object replaced the giver.
The object replaced the giver.
This is, I believe, part of the point of the Abraham and Isaac sacrifice story. In 2 Kings 18.4 we read how the object which saved the Israelites in the dessert became a replacement for their God and thus Hezekiah the king had to demolish it. If the Exodus happened around 1470 BC and the time of Hezekiah is 715BC we see within 750 years a change happened.
Love is powerful
Love is powerful
Jesus is stating this truth in our verses this morning. The power of the love of God is such that darkness cannot overcome it.
Love is tricky.
Love is tricky.
It is powerful and because of this it is also tricky.
Love may cause pain.
Love may cause pain.
The powerful aspect of love will cause us pain. The only way to not feel pain is to not love. But this isn’t life. We hurt much because we love much.
Love gives.
Love gives.
This is the heart of God.
Love saves.
Love saves.
It does not condemn but instead saves.
Love leaves a choice.
Love leaves a choice.
Though Jesus came not to condemn but the fact he has loved us we have a choice on whether to accept condemnation from ourselves.
The heart of God is filled with love.
The heart of God is filled with love.
This is truth. John would write in his letter to the church that God is love.
Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Will you give the gift of love this Christmas?
Will you give the gift of love this Christmas?
We all can give this.
Will you accept the gift of love this Christmas?
Will you accept the gift of love this Christmas?
You are loved, whether you like it or not.