On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we have lit the candle of Love. The last three weeks we have already lit the candles of Hope, Peace, and Joy, and today we remember that at the very heart of Christmas is love, God’s love for us.
When we hear the word love, we often think of family and friends. We think of hugs, kind words, helping hands, and people who care about us. Love is what makes us feel safe and valued. But the love we celebrate at Advent is even bigger than that. It is God’s love, a love so great that it changed the world forever. The Bible tells us plainly why Christmas happened: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” Christmas began because God loves.
Sometimes children—and adults too—might think of God as very far away, somewhere up in the clouds. But Advent reminds us that God’s love came close. God did not shout his love from heaven. He came down. God’s love came as a baby. Not as a king in a palace. Not as a superhero with great power. But as a tiny baby, born in a stable, laid in a manger.
Why would God do that? Because love does not stay far away. Love comes close. Love enters our world. Love walks where we walk. Jesus came so we could see what God’s love looks like in real life.
When we look at Jesus, we see love with a face. Jesus loved children. He welcomed them when others tried to send them away. He listened to them. He blessed them. He showed that children matter to God. Jesus loved people who were lonely and left out. He ate with people others ignored. He spoke kindly to those who felt forgotten. Jesus loved the sick and hurting. He healed them, comforted them, and showed compassion. Jesus loved even when it was hard. He loved people who were unkind to him. He forgave those who hurt him. The Bible tells us: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son.” God’s love did not wait for us to be perfect. God’s love came first.
At Christmas, we give gifts to one another. Gifts wrapped in paper, tied with bows. But the greatest gift of all is Jesus. Jesus is not a reward for good behaviour. Jesus is not something we earn. Jesus is a gift, freely given because God loves us. That means every child, every adult, every person is loved by God. You don’t have to be the smartest. You don’t have to be the strongest. You don’t have to get everything right. God loves you because you are God’s creation.
God’s love does something wonderful—it changes us. When we know we are loved, we begin to live differently. We become more patient. More kind. More forgiving. More willing to help. Jesus said: “Love one another as I have loved you.” That’s a big command, especially for children and adults alike. But it doesn’t mean we have to do big, heroic things every day. Most of the time, love is shown in small ways. This is what love looks like: sharing with someone who has less, saying kind words instead of hurtful ones, helping at home without being asked, including someone who feels left out, saying “I’m sorry” when we’ve done wrong, praying for someone who is hurting. Every act of love points back to Jesus.
Advent reminds us that Jesus came into a world that was dark. People were afraid. Many were poor. Many were suffering. And our world still has darkness today. Sometimes we feel afraid. Sometimes families go through hard times. Sometimes the world feels confusing or sad. But Advent tells us this good news: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” God’s love is a light that cannot be put out. Even one small candle can light a dark room. Even one kind act can make a difference. Even one prayer can bring hope. Because love always shines.
Today, as the Sunday School students join us, we are reminded that God’s love lives among us—in this church, in our homes, and in our hearts. Children, you are not just the church of tomorrow. You are the church today. Your kindness, your joy, your faith, and your love matter to God.
Adults, children remind us how to trust, how to receive love, and how to share it freely. Together, we are called to be people who carry God’s love into the world. As we prepare for Christmas, let us remember this: Love came down at Christmas. Love was born in Bethlehem. Love lived among us in Jesus. Love went to the cross for us. Love rose again in victory. And love is still with us today.
May this season fill our hearts with wonder. May we receive God’s love with joy. And may we share that love with everyone we meet. Amen.