As we begin the season of Advent that usually begins four weeks before Christmas, we be focusing on four aspects of our faith in Christ: love, peace, joy, and hope. Here is the first reflection on love:

IN WORD God demonstrated His own love for us in a rather remarkable way: He sent His beloved Son into the world to die for people who had long rebelled against and insulted Him. You don’t normally see that kind of love in this world. It isn’t natural. In fact, it’s supernatural. Paul has already told us in Romans 5:5 that God has poured out His love into our hearts. Now he tells us what kind of love. This is it—sacrificial, unexpected, out-of-this-world love. God has loved us in this way and then given us the Spirit who loves in this way. What we have freely received, we can freely give. We can be the visible evidence of an invisible Kingdom. In fact, that’s our calling. We are evidence. That’s what a “witness” is, isn’t it? We talk about witnessing to others as though it’s a conversation, and that is certainly part of our task. But we are the kind of witness that does more than tell the evidence. We are the evidence. When people look at us, they are to see faith, hope, love, joy, and all the other beautiful signs of a beautiful Kingdom. They are to see the things their hearts deeply long for.
IN DEED How do you do that? Go back and read the full passage again. Romans 5:1-11 gives us the keys of the Kingdom: a sacrificial Savior, a faith in His promises, a love from above, a hope in the present and future glory, and a joyful purpose to fulfill. All the temporal things people crave are some shadow of the real thing. If we show them the real thing, we are signposts to eternity. The only way to get those things—faith, hope, love, and all other spiritual fruit—is to drink deeply from the fountain of life. The fruit of a tree is always drawn from its roots. Grow your roots in eternity, and your life will always point to it. “Unless a life is lived for others, it is not worthwhile.” —Mother Teresa. (in “God with us” by Chris Tiegreen)

In a world that seems increasingly full of conflict, natural disasters, tragedy, and suffering, there is a great need to know that God’s love is still present and active. But too often, we are caught up by daily urgencies and circumstances, and try to find relief through distractive entertainment and deceptive self-indulgent activities. But none of these are ever lasting. Only in the daily presence of God and His steadfast love can we find true peace.
Take some time to read through Romans 5 – 8 this week and reflect on the assurance of a loving Father through the coming of Jesus into this world. Ask the Holy Spirit to affirm Romans 8:29-39 in your life and let Christ reign with power in your life. Have a blessed week as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth! – from Singapore, Pastor Sam