Advent – Love

Christmas At Grace

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.” (1 Jn 3:16)

Love is better demonstrated than defined. Until you encounter it and experience it, it’s hard to truly know what love is…

#1 Love Is a Gift

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV)

The greatest Christmas gift ever given wasn’t gold, frankincense, and myrrh!

The first time “love” is mentioned in Scripture is connected to sacrifice

“Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.’” (Genesis 22:2)

“Love” (ā·hǎḇ) means to have affection based on a close relationship. This is a father’s love for a son

A true gift requires true sacrifice.

#2 Love Is a Choice

“And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.… And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37–39 ESV)

“Love” (agapao) – to show love (agape: sacrificial love).

Jesus chose this life so that we could choose life.

#3 Love Is a Verb

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:4–7 NIV)

Jesus shows us what patience, kindness, selflessness, forgiveness, etc., look like.

I can’t demand it… I can do it.

# 4 Love Is the Answer

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1 (NIV)

No matter your question… love is the ultimate answer.