Every Good Gift: A 28-Day Advent DevotionalPrimjer

Love gives. We have learned that truth this week. But love is also the gift. 

This Advent we have been unwrapping the greatest gift of all: Jesus. We have seen how God’s good and perfect gifts are the hope, peace and joy found in Him. But there is one more gift that we have been unwrapping this week: love.

We have reflected on how God is a gift-giving God, how His gifts are an expression of love for us and how we can reflect His love to others by giving generously. But as we near Christmas Day, when Love became incarnate and was swaddled in a manger, it is a good reminder that Love gives and Love is the gift. God gave us the gift of His Son, but Jesus came willingly, knowing that one day He would have to bear the Cross on our behalf. Jesus gave Himself.

“[Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8).

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

So today, reflect on the wonderful truth that Love gave Love. Savor the gift of that love and allow it fill your heart today. It is only then that we are positioned to love others. 

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (John 15:9).

Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for Your love! You are the greatest gift I’ve been given and the greatest love I have ever known. What a good and perfect gift! I know that as the love You give fills my heart, I will have more love to give others. Love gives love. Help me to remain in Your love today. Amen.