Love

1. **Anticipation of Love**: Advent invites us to anticipate the coming of Christ, who embodies love. This expectation can remind us of the significance of love in our own lives and in our relationships with others. On some level, we are all longing for love. Though most of the time, we are looking for love in all the wrong places. Reminiscent of the song by Johnny Lee. The love that Christ shares with us can never perish, spoil, or fade. It’s true love. Once we learn to appreciate and accept God’s love, we learn to share it. When we fail to look deeply into the love of Christ, we are more likely to return the gift. In some cases, we throw the gift back in His face. This occurs when we fail to realize that He didn’t have to give it to us. your blessing of love could have been given to someone else. You didn’t have to be born under blessed circumstances. You could have been born under an unalterable generational curse, but you weren’t. So many people are without the love of Christ, stuck under satan’s rule. You, however, have been blessed with the gift of God’s love. You’ve been set free from the curse of the law. One thing that I’ve learned about the love of Christ is that the more you use it, the more it grows. Like a spiritual muscle, the more you exercise, the stronger it becomes. This season, express your love through kindness.     

2. **Acts of Kindness**: In preparation for Christmas, many people engage in acts of kindness and charity, which are expressions of love. This season encourages us to reach out to those in need, showing love through our actions.

3. **Family and Community**: Advent is often a time for families and communities to come together. Although it can be difficult (smile), the love shared in these gatherings—through traditions, meals, and stories—helps strengthen bonds and foster a sense of belonging in the body and love of Christ.

4. **Reflection on God’s Love**: For many, Advent is a time to reflect on God’s unconditional love for humanity. This period can inspire individuals to deepen their relationship with God, understanding the significance of love in their faith.

5. **Love in Waiting**: The theme of waiting during Advent can also relate to love—waiting on God to reveal His promises and learning to trust in His love through uncertainty and anticipation.

Overall, Advent can be a profound time to cultivate love in its many forms—between friends and family, and within ourselves —as we prepare to celebrate the ultimate expression of love: Christmas. 

Matthew 1:23 – “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel,” which means, “God with us.” 

His love will never leave us or forsake us.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Peace and Love,

—Pastor Dwayne