Gather for AdventSample

Gather at the Manger and Find Love - A Reading

Reader 1: Have you ever wondered why God sent his son as a helpless baby?

Reader 2: He didn’t send Jesus into the world that first Christmas as a conquering king with an angel army to turn over all the world’s systems of power.

R1: He didn’t send a polished politician either

R2: Someone whose perfect policies pleased all people and created a political dynasty with no partisanship.

R1: God didn’t send a celebrity to dazzle us with award-winning performances or move us with heart-wrenching songs.

R2: And he didn’t send a multibillionaire to build a business empire and hand out money that would cover all our bills or make us rich.

R1: Instead, God sent a son.

R2: Born in poverty.

R1: Born of a virgin.

R2: To live and grow on this earth.

R1: To experience every aspect of the human condition.

R2: The suffering and the pain.

R1: The joys and the laughter too.

R2: It wasn’t military or political power.

R1: It wasn’t influence or fame.

R2: It wasn’t great wealth to make us the envy of the world.

R1: God gave us love.

R2: Love dependent on others.

R1: A child helpless and vulnerable:

R2: To Herod who sought to kill him.

R1: To a religious system that scoffed.

R2: And to a political system that despised him.

R1: Jesus was vulnerable to the elements:

R2: To hunger

R1: To the cold

R2: And to the sword.

R1: He had no fame or power

R2: Instead, when Herod sent his soldiers, he had to flee for his life

R1: Before he could even run.

R2: God gave us what we needed most.

R1: A precious son who was without sin.

R2: Who would show the world a perfect life.

R1: And open up a way to the Father so that all of us could be reconciled to God.

R2: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.

R1: Today as we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we remember the love of God.

R2: A love given.

R1: A love that gives.

R2: Today we let that giving love open our hearts.

R1: As we light the candle of Advent, we let the love that Jesus brings fill our hearts.

R2: Today we come to the manger to find the love of God.

Action:

As you light the candle of Advent, reflect on the truth that God gave Jesus out of love, to open up a way for redemption.