And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Corinthians 13:13

Primary among the characteristics of God is love. God is love. Sending his only Son as a baby into the world two thousand years ago was the ultimate demonstration of His love for His creation: “For God so loved the world,that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17 ESV

On this, the Second Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of Love. We light it in memory of the unfathomable love that was the gift of Christ’s first coming. And in the certain confidence of His coming again. Even so, come Lord Jesus.

We are also reminded of the absolute significance of love as expressed by Jesus in citing the two most important Commandments: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 NLT

Our prayer today is this: Father we thank you for your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth and the life. And your love for us confirmed through your Word. Renew our faith so that we may relive the wonder of Your love. Help us see how we can bring God’s message to the people around us, to be messengers of God’s love for everyone. Amen.

#advent