2024 Christmas Advent Realities

Advent Love

John 3:16; 1 John 4:7

Where do we find love in the Christmas story? Hope, Joy, Peace, are in the proclamations and prophecies; but where is love? I woke up asking this question on Monday which caused me to do a search of the gospels to find out when is the first time the word LOVE shows up in each gospel – especially Matthew, Luke, and John as they are the writers who share bits of the Christmas story. But, in Matthew’s Gospel, ‘Love’ doesn’t appear until chapter 5 – The Sermon on the Mount – ‘You have heard it said, ‘Love your neighbor, and hate your enemies’; And in Luke it is not until chapter 6 – in Adult Jesus’ parallel sermon on the plain – Love your enemies; So, what about John’s Gospel – John begins his gospel with the Deity of Christ – John 1:1, 14; but when is love first mentioned in his Gospel – Well, it is also where we find the answer to the question – ‘Where is Love in the Christmas story?’ – Let’s look clearly at it in an all too familiar place – John 3:16 – For God so loved – It is God’s love that brings Jesus as our gift – and as John has already made clear Jesus is God; therefore, friends – Where is Love in the Christmas story? He is in the manger! Amen!

This extraordinary Good News that we celebrate at Christmas and, indeed, every day is …

1. You are loved by God!

a. Christmas proves it! John 3:16

b. The pronouncement – Good news of Great Joy – Luke 2:10-14

c. Jesus is a gift of love; given to save us – Luke 2:11; John 3:16

2. His Love empowers our Love!

a. 1 John 4:7-8

b. His initiative

3. His Love brings LIFE!

a. 1 John 4:9

b. His incarnation

4. His Love pays for our sin

a. 1 John 4:10

b. Satisfying the wrath of a Holy, Perfect God

c. Pardon – set free, but at what cost? For Justice to be satisfied the debt must be paid.

5. Our Love shows His Love

a. 4:11-16

b. To other believers

c. To a watching world

6. His Love gives us Confident Hope

a. V17-19

b. For the future Judgment

c. For the present life up to and including death

7. His Love holds us accountable

a. V20-21

b. You get this because the Midway Family is such a loving church!

8. Advent Love - His Love is the Reason for It All

a. God loves you! Personally, Individually, Specifically, and Lavishly

b. May you both experience and share His Perfect Love this Christmas!

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