121 Advent預覽

The Source of Love

John emphatically states, “God is love.” The source of love is God himself. Not that God is just a picture of love, love being independently defined, existent and simply displayed by God. But that God himself is the definition of love, preexisting love and love being a byproduct of His character and person. Without God, we have no basis for love and no ability to love.

The source of love in us then becomes God’s Spirit, which indwells upon our salvation. This is made possible only through the coming of Jesus, that God’s love compelled Him to send His Son for our rescue. Christ’s life, death and resurrection, beginning with and made possible by His advent, are evidence of the power of God’s love to overcome sin and death, which are unable to drive out love. God's love then conquers over earthly forces, over all human emotion and over the disguises of pride and that which is self-seeking.

Consider the nature of God’s love, exemplified in Christ, as the source of the love that we first experience and then live out. God’s love is self-giving and sacrificial. He gave Himself on our behalf (John 3:16). God’s love is unconditional, it is given to us when we do not deserve it (Romans 5:8). God’s love is eternal (Jeremiah 31:3). God’s love is powerful. God’s love heals and comforts but also serves as our defender, His love defeats the enemy on our behalf. God’s love is life changing (1 John 4:19). Nothing can separate us from God’s love.

For Families With Young Children

We say we love lots of things. I love soccer. I love pizza. I love candy. I love my mom and dad. We already learned what love is, but where does that love come from?

Read 1 John 4:7. KIDS, Where does this verse say love comes from? (God) This verse clearly tells us that love comes from God. If we know God, we know love. Do you know God? Have you experienced His love?

Read Romans 8: 37-39. KIDS, This is awesome news! What do these verses tell us about God’s love? (nothing can separate us) There is no better gift this Christmas than the love that God showed us when He sent His Son to rescue us. The gifts are fun. The parties are great. The lights are awesome. But, they are nothing compared to the gift of Jesus. So this Christmas, when you crawl out of bed at a crazy early time in the morning, take some time to remember that the best gift of all isn’t sitting under your tree.