The Advent of Love Forevermore (12/25/2022)

John described the “glory” of Jesus as being on display through his “fullness of unfailing love and faithfulness” (NLT) (these words describe the loving kindness (chesed) of the OT. The Greek is Grace and Truth. But when you put grace and truth together, you get love. Indeed, the thing that shines brightest about Jesus, is love.  Jesus was the gift of Love, “For God so loved…” (John 3:16). Jesus declared that love is the calling of his followers: John 13:33-34; John 15:9-11). Love is also the distinctive marker that sets his followers apart: John 13:34. But the love of Jesus isn’t just temporary or temporal love. It is forever. In fact, one of the final portraits of Jesus is the bridal language of Revelation—like a wedding, like a bride. And the description is tender with love. Revelation 21:1-4. That’s a beautiful picture of heaven to come. But in the meantime we have been taught to pray, “Thy kingdom come… thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” We pray heaven down. And we do here on earth, what God will do then—in love, touch the hurting. Bring hope, bring peace, bring joy, show love. That is why we take the benevolence offering.  

 Just as Jesus has come into the world, so too, together with all the believers who have ever lived—we echo again the longing—even so, come Lord Jesus come!