Journeying to Grace

The Love we recognize and receive this week doesn’t just complete our Advent preparation; it encompasses our journey. The unwavering and faithful love of God that binds our hope, peace, and joy now envelops us and invites us to renewal. ‘God so loved the world….’ (John 3:16). He still ‘so loves the world’ and He still ‘so loves us’ that He sent His perfect love. He sent us a brother, a teacher, and a savior. He sent us wisdom, grace, and mercy. This is an extraordinary love; this love is alive.

We’ve been journeying with hope, peace, joy, and finally love. Collectively, they are the total of Advent. They are our promise, they are pillars of our faith, and now they carry us to the wondrous gift of Christmas when we welcome Jesus among us. We begin anew with hope in the birth of Christ, and with sincerely open and ready hearts, we welcome the ‘good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’ (Luke 2:10)

As we move from the preparation of Advent to the full exultation of Christmas, it is time to put distractions aside and be fully present, so we will recognize or be moved by or be filled with this special love of Christmas. Maybe it will come from a moving children’s program at the Christmas Eve service. Or from many hand-held candles sparkling in the darkness while Silent Night is sung. Or from a small, unexpected gesture when we gather with loved ones. Or in the stillness and silence of our waiting hearts. Let us stay alert, so we will know when this renewing, life-giving love of Christmas fills our spirit with the hope, peace, and joy we’ve been seeking.

This Love of God has a way of surprising us, even in small yet noticeable ways. Shortly after I began writing this reflection, I became especially attentive when I heard the phrase ‘love is alive.’ More accurately, my playlist randomly began the familiar intro of the 1970s song ‘Love is Alive,’ written and performed by Gary Wright**. Though the complete song is about romantic love, I played the beginning lines again to make sure I heard them correctly:

Well, I think it’s time to get ready

To realize just what I have found

Helpful lyrics for us this week. It is time for us to get ready and realize the wonder of God’s love in and around us. May this love that is alive stir in us this Christmas and always. I pray that you and your loved ones near and far are renewed by the wonder of God’s perfect gift of love.

**(Okay, I admit, I have several ‘nostalgic’ song selections on my playlist. This is largely thanks to growing up with four older siblings and their many musical tastes!)