December 21, 2014 Advent Devotional - Love

Today's reading from the LEC Family Advent Devotional is John 3:16 --  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

 

On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of love.  Today's devotional writer reminds us that when most people read John 3:16, they look at it as how we should believe in God.  But the first verb in this passage is "love."  Yes, the first thing God did was to love the world.  He created the heavens and the earth and everything in it.  He's guided and loved us through life as a father would.  And if it wasn't for the love that God has for us, he wouldn't have sent His son to earth in human form, to live among us, and save us from our sins. 

 

God So Loved the World by John Stainer 

 

Holy One, be the light in our darkness tonight.
As we have lit the candle of hope,
we pray for those who feel hopeless . . .
As we have lit the candle of peace,
we pray for all victims of violence . . .
As we have lit the candle of joy,
we pray for those whose hearts are weighed down by sorrow . . .
As we have lit the candle of love,
we pray for those who do not feel loved,
for those who struggle to love others . . .
Holy One, be the light in our darkness tonight,
that we might reflect your light into the dark corners of our world. Amen.

--- Advent Bidding Prayer

 

Today's Advent Photo of the Day

#love #pictureadvent

Because God loves the world and he sent his son Jesus to save me from my sins, I know that He hold my heart forever.