Blessed Advent to you!
Have you been experiencing Christ’s presence and love? Perhaps even “out of the blue,” maybe even in the midst of the disconnected parts of life?
As I think of Bible stories this week where God showed up “out of the blue,” and brought love, I, of course, think about God’s gift of Jesus. John 3:16, which many of you can recite, summarizes that love well: “For God so loved the world, God gave God’s only son that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life.” Giving up one’s son or daughter is something that I don’t know if I could do, especially for people who I knew would not treat them with respect and kindness. And yet, God knew, we needed someone visible to help us clearly know God’s love, forgiveness and welcome as sons and daughters of God.
I remember when our youngest son entered the Air Force. My heart and Bill’s were pulled from our chests. Every world conflict caused us to have a more heightened awareness. I was reminded by our son that he was now the “property of the United States Air Force.” And in fact, we had little contact with him – short phone calls at all hours of the day and night – while he was in training – when he was given his phone for a few precious minutes. My love for him far exceeded my love for the world.
I am so thankful that God’s love is bigger than mine and is for ALL the world, not just God’s son, Jesus. God’s love for ALL of us was and is so very real and true, that it required something so out of the ordinary, so out of the world’s expectations, so we could fully see and feel and hear God’s love for ALL of us.
In a world that often does not hold up love as a value greater than any other, God clearly says, “Love is what does matter. When all is said and done, loving Me (God) and your neighbor is what will count. It is what will bring you hope, peace, joy and more love.” Love is what has always changed individuals and by changing individuals has changed the world.
How has God shown up and how is God showing up “out of the blue” in your life to bring love and call you to extend love others?
May our eyes, ears and hearts be open wide to Christ’s love and presence.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Donna