This week we re-light the candle of hope and we add the candle of love. We remember with grateful hearts the gift of Jesus, who came as a babe in a manger, lived and loved among us, died on a cross, and arose! His love endures forever.

Jesus brought his unselfish, compassionate and unconditional love. It’s amazing He loves us just as we are. He gives us love so we can, in turn, give it away in the same unselfish, compassionate, unconditional way.

‘By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ John 13:35

We can choose to offer love or to hold it back. In situations where it is hard to offer love, let’s ask for an abundance of love in our hearts so we are able to offer it to others by the power of his grace.  It seems like this season has the capacity to bring out the best and the worst in us.  Just yesterday I found myself getting grumpy with my amazing man over ‘busy’ activities. Oh, such ‘stupid stuff’ to cause a missed opportunity of gratitude and love.  I remember again and again what a gift I have in my husband!

Let’s be reminded of the distinguishing mark of love that we carry as followers of Christ and ask for His love to be evident in our words and actions as we interact with others. May we seek to bring unity and balance into relationships or situations, and listen to people with sincerity and interest.

We have hope. We have love.  Let’s live it and give it.

Father God, thank you for your generous love to us. Help us to offer that same gracious love to those we encounter. Pour your love into our hearts so we can give it away. To God be all glory. Amen.