Advent: A Liturgical Celebration Leads to Greater Love

Week Four: Love

Week Four of Advent, which focuses on LOVE, fell on Christmas Eve day this year. Christmas Eve is the time when the tallest candle—the Jesus candle—is lit. The photo in today’s post was taken a few years ago when our two youngest grandkids lit the Jesus candle.

If I were asked to describe God in only one word, I would choose LOVE.

I appreciate the profound simplicity of words written by Christina Rosetti (1830-1864) in which she personifies love as the baby Jesus.

Love Came Down at Christmas[i]

Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead,
Love incarnate, love divine;
Worship we our Jesus:
But wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token,
Love shall be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and to all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.

No ordinary baby—this baby of whom angels sang—this baby whom shepherds and wisemen worshipped.

This baby was the Incarnation of God. He was Immanuel—God With Us!

Love coming down at Christmas took on human body and human nature.

Love that came down at Christmas would travel through infancy, childhood, the teens, and young adulthood.

Then, in only three short years of ministry, Love that came down would illustrate what God’s most profound love looks like.

In his death and resurrection, Love who came down at Christmas built a bridge between God and humankind.

On this blessed Christmas day, I wish the entirety of Advent for you and all those you love. May your hearts and homes be filled with HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and the greatest of all LOVE that came down at Christmas. 

Merry Christmas!

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