Introduction
The Advent season is a journey of anticipation and reflection, and as we light the fourth candle, we focus on the profound theme of love. Love is at the heart of the Christmas story, embodied in the gift of God's Son, Jesus Christ.
The Advent season is a journey of anticipation and reflection, and as we light the fourth candle, we focus on the profound theme of love. Love is at the heart of the Christmas story, embodied in the gift of God's Son, Jesus Christ.
1. Read: 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 (NLT)
"If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal..."
Discussion
- What is the central message of these verses regarding love?
- How does love surpass other virtues and actions?
2. Reflect: John 3:16 (NLT)
"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
Discussion
- How does this verse highlight the connection between God's love and the gift of Jesus?
- In what ways does the concept of giving characterize love?
3. Explore: Romans 13:10 (NLT)
"Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law."
"Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law."
Discussion
- How does love relate to fulfilling God's law?
- In what practical ways can we express love to others?
4. Reflect: Luke 2:10-11 (NLT)
"But the angel reassured them. 'Don’t be afraid!' he said. 'I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!'”
"But the angel reassured them. 'Don’t be afraid!' he said. 'I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!'”
Discussion
- How does the birth of Jesus exemplify God's love for humanity?
- In what ways is Jesus described as a manifestation of God's love?
Apply: Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control..."
"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control..."
Discussion
- How does love play a role in the fruit of the Spirit?
- Reflect on times when you've experienced or witnessed the transformative power of love.
Pray
Take time to pray, thanking God for the gift of love through Jesus Christ. Ask for guidance in expressing love to others and for a deeper understanding of the significance of Christ's love in your life.
Take time to pray, thanking God for the gift of love through Jesus Christ. Ask for guidance in expressing love to others and for a deeper understanding of the significance of Christ's love in your life.
Conclusion
As we light the fourth candle of Advent, let's carry the flame of love into our lives, remembering that God's love, demonstrated through the birth of Jesus, continues to transform and redeem us. May this season be a reminder of the love that surpasses all understanding and calls us to love others as Christ loves us.
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