[The Words of Advent] LOVEনমুনা

Christ Is Love

As we think about love in this Advent season, what does that mean?

Unger’s Bible Dictionary defines love as “selfless and sacrificial. It is active and dissatisfied, if not blessing others.” Love is the preeminent virtue produced by Christianity. Love is declared to be the chief test of Christian discipleship in John 13, it is one of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5, and it is to be the highest motive of moral action.

Love is God’s highest attribute, the one in which all others harmoniously blend. 1 John 4:8 declares, “God is love.” Love is not simply a quality that God possesses; it is His very nature.

God sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. Love comes from Him. He is the Source and the Resource. Love emanates from the God of the universe; it is His very essence, which has been manifested toward us. It has been made incredibly clear and obvious to us. God’s love is directed toward us, and He pours it directly into us. Love acts, and it is dissatisfied when it doesn’t bless others. God took action and sent His only begotten Son to bless us—the very definition of what love is.

Christ is unique. He is the only one who has ever been born of a virgin and of the Holy Spirit. He came down from heaven, became one of us, and was obedient to the point of death. Love is here!

His first purpose is that we might live through Him. But did Christ only come for eternal life? Christ came so that we might live eternally, but He also came so we could enjoy an abundant life right now. We live life to the fullest only through Him, and that is a life earmarked by love.

Catholic priest Henri Nouwen wrote that Jesus’ whole message is that you are God’s beloved child. When you know that in your heart, everything turns around. You were loved before you were born, and you will be loved after you die. You are loved for eternity. God’s love for you is inexhaustible!

Father, I pray that your Spirit may touch me and reveal Your love to me. I want to know You more intimately and learn more deeply how to love through Your Son Jesus Christ.