Scripture: 1 John 4:7
Dear friends, let’s love each other, because love is from God, and everyone who loves is born from God and knows God.
Thought for the Day: I have used this verse in many weddings as a reminder that God commands us to love each other, though 1st John is not speaking exclusively of the love found in marriage. We are commanded to love, and if you read further in the chapter, there are no exceptions or exemptions to this command. We may have a few of our own, but they are self created and blessed. At Christmas when we think about God’s incarnation, the loving act of God in the birth of Jesus, we should find ourselves challenged by the depth of this love. We should find in God’s self-revelation our definition of love, and though it might challenge us, the challenge is good for us. Stretch yourself, and though none of us will ever reach the love displayed in God, the world needs those who genuinely and faithfully stretch their capacity to love.
Prayer: Make within me, God, a love that honors you – not simply in the way it is described but in the way it is shared. Amen.
THIS SUNDAY
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Lighting the Candle of Love
Worship at 8:15, 9:30 & 11:00
BLOOD DRIVE
In the Forum
from 8:30am – 12:30pm
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
5pm – Family Service
7:30pm – Candlelight
CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE
10:30am
