We learn from our mistakes. Theoretically, Advent ended with the fourth Sunday. If Thursday is my day, I should have started earlier to come out even. However, the final word is important at any time. This word can be both a foundation and a pinnacle, and its four letters makes all the difference in our lives. Sometimes we give it the casual weight of LIKE on steroids. I love ice cream. I loved that movie. Oh, I just love being with you. All we are saying is whatever gave us a transient moment of pleasure and delight will be forgotten and never returned to us in the same form. The distance is vast between a pleasant visit with an airplane seatmate and the “I love you” exclaimed when the baby we have waited for is put in our arms.
Through this life, this year, this season, love has been a foundation: rock solid and immoveable. We know it by the way God has acted toward us from the time of forming us from clay and then the spending of eons redirecting, forgiving, and sending us on our way, yet again. This verse speaks of how God shows love. “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.” Exodus 15:13. Standing firm on that statement, the rest of the verses in the Old Testament are how we show our love by what we choose to do, even in 2020.
Then at the top of the mountain is the vista of God’s love in capital letters. LOVE. Not just ordinary love, if there is such a virtue; the ultimate SO LOVED. That’s what we say when we light candle number four. Christina Rossetti’s poem leads to the white candle in the center of the wreath.
Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.
Worship we the Godhead,
Love incarnate, love divine;
Worship we our Jesus:
But wherewith for sacred sign?
Love shall be our token,
Love shall be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and to all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.
If you read this, you probably know the verse.
For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son. John 3:16
Let Me Tell Ya 