Introduction:
Good morning, beloved family in Christ! As we gather here in this beautiful Advent season, we are invited to reflect on the miraculous gift of love — a love that changes everything. Today, I want to share a heartfelt story, a story that teaches us about love, sacrifice, and hope during this special time of year.
Tell your neighbor There is nothing like the love of God!
It is the most overwhelming thing I have ever encountered in my life. It is the greatest thing God ever did for any of us! The reason I can say that is this, because He loved us, He was moved to do everything else that He has done. Allow me to say this morning that John's epistle has a 4-fold purpose.
That our joy might be full. (1:4)
That we might not sin. (2:1)
That we might know that we have eternal life. (5:13)
That we ourselves might love others.(4:11)
Let us take a moment to open our hearts as we turn to the Word of God. Our primary text will be 1 John 4:9-10: “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
1 John 4:7-21 (The Message Bible)
Focus 7-10
The Gift of Love: A Heartfelt Christmas Story
7-10 My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can’t know him if you don’t love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God.
Certainly! Here are three key points to introduce before diving into the heartfelt story in the sermon titled "The Gift of Love: A Heartfelt Christmas Story":
Point 1: The Nature of Divine Love
-Scriptural Reference: 1 John 4:9-10 reminds us that God's love is unconditional and sacrificial.
- Explanation: This love is not only a feeling but an action—He sent His Son to show us the depths of His care for humanity. We reflect on how Advent is a time to embrace that love, understanding it as the foundation for our relationships with one another.
- Application: As we experience God's profound love in our lives, we are called to share this divine love with those around us.
Point 2: The Impact of Love in Our Lives
- Scriptural Reference: Romans 13:10 states, "Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
- Explanation: Love acts as a transformative force that can heal wounds, mend broken relationships, and bring joy. During the Advent season, we are especially reminded of the importance of love in creating community and belonging.
- Application: We can think about how our acts of love—big or small—have significant impacts on the lives of others and ourselves. Reflect on the faces of those in our lives who might need a little warmth and care right now.
Point 3: Embracing the Spirit of Giving
- Scriptural Reference: Acts 20:35 teaches us, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
- Explanation: In the spirit of Advent, we are called not just to receive love but to actively give it away. True giving reflects the love of Christmas—where we extend grace, kindness, and generosity to others.
- Application: This Advent, consider creating new traditions of giving and service, where we reflect on the love of Christ by sharing it in practical ways in our communities and beyond.
A Heartfelt Story: The Five Beautiful Christmas Ornaments
Once upon a time, in a small, snowy town named Willow Creek, there was a little girl named Sarah. Every Christmas, Sarah would look forward to decorating her family’s tree with her mom, who had a special box of ornaments that they had collected over the years. Each ornament held a cherished memory, a story carved in glass or stitched in fabric.
One year, as the first snowflakes fell gently, signaling the start of Advent, Sarah noticed that her mother seemed more thoughtful than usual. Her mother, Rachel, was dealing with the recent loss of her husband. Christmas had always been a joyful occasion for their family; however, this year felt different, overshadowed by grief.
The First Ornament: The Heart
As Rachel opened the box, she pulled out a heart-shaped ornament made of clay. “This was our first Christmas together,” she narrated, her voice trembling slightly. “Your father and I made this heart together before you were born. It signifies love — our love for each other and the love we both feel for you.”
Tears welled up in Sarah's eyes. She understood that this ornament was a piece of her father’s spirit, a reminder that love doesn't fade but transforms through memory. Together, they gently hung the heart ornament on the tree, allowing the light to reflect off its surface, casting beautiful patterns around the room.
The Second Ornament: The Star
Next, Rachel reached for a star ornament, glimmering as though it held within it the lights from the heavens. “Every year, your father and I would talk about the Star of Bethlehem,” she said, her voice filled with warmth. “It reminds us that the greatest gift of all is the love and hope found in Jesus Christ.”
Sarah felt a swell of courage as she considered the true meaning of Christmas. “Maybe we can carry that love to others, Mom?” she suggested. Rachel nodded, her heart beating a little faster at the thought of sharing joy amidst their sorrow.
The Third Ornament: The Tree
Searching further through the box, they came upon a little wooden tree ornament. “This one,” Rachel sighed, “represents our family traditions. Your father loved how every ornament we hung had a unique story, just as our memories and traditions have shaped our family.”
“Can we create new traditions?” Sarah brightened. “Can we invite our elderly neighbor, Mrs. Thompson, to decorate with us this year?” Rachel considered this, realizing that even in their grief, there was room for love to grow.
The Fourth Ornament: The Bell
Next, they grasped a bell ornament, which seemed to ring softly with the stories of the past. Rachel shared, “The bell is a symbol of joy. Your father would say, ‘Let every bell ring with the love we share.’”
Feeling inspired, Sarah declared, “Let’s make bells for everyone in the neighborhood, so they can feel the joy of the season too!” This plan sparked newfound energy within Rachel, encouraging her to step outside of her sorrow.
The Fifth Ornament: The Cross
Finally, they found a simple cross ornament, representing the love God demonstrated for humanity through the birth of Jesus. As Rachel placed it delicately on the tree, she explained, “This reminds us that love is sacrificial. Just as God gave His Son, we also give love to those who are hurting.”
The Advent of Love: Acting on It
That night, after putting the finishing touches on the tree, Sarah and Rachel prepared to invite their neighbors. They wrote heartfelt notes, baked cookies, and prepared their home for guests.
Each evening leading up to Christmas, they shared stories, laughter, and love. Their gatherings grew, bringing together children and adults who needed companionship and comfort.
The Transformation
As Christmas Eve approached, their home was filled with warmth, laughter, and the sweet scent of fresh cookies. Sarah witnessed how the love they had shared with others began to weave new connections into their lives, healing their own hearts in the process.
On Christmas morning, they woke to find surprise gifts left by neighbors, spreading joy and love. Together, they sang Christmas carols and prayed, thanking God for the love they had received and shared.
The Essence of Advent Love
Reflecting on the ornaments that had adorned their tree, Sarah realized that the gift of love had transformed their Christmas. It was no longer merely a reflection of the past but a vibrant celebration of connection, community, and hope.
In 1 John 4:19, we read: “We love because he first loved us.” Sarah and Rachel had discovered that love is not only felt but acted upon.
Application for Us: Embracing Love This Advent
As we navigate this Advent season, let us ask ourselves:
1. How can we embody love for those around us, especially those who are hurting?
2. What new traditions can we create to extend love and joy to our community?
3. We have the ultimate gift of love from God. How can we share that indescribable love more genuinely as we prepare for Christmas?
1.HIS LOVE IS DESCRIBED IN THE CONTEXT
A. It Is Unspeakable - I can't understand it, or why, but I know I have experienced it and I can never be separated from it - Rom. 8:38-39
B. It Is Unending - Jer. 31:3…I have loved you with an everlasting love! God's love is eternal!
C. It Is Unselfish - Ill. It asks for nothing in return! However, it leads man to repent and turn to God in love - Rom. 2:4; 1 John 4:19- We love him because He first loved us!
D. It Is Unmerited - Cannot be earned or deserved!. (Ill. His love is based in His grace!) (Ill. Jesus and Jerusalem - Matt. 23:37.)
E. It Is Unconditional - It is not based on what we can or cannot produce, it comes from the heart of God. Man can never reach a place when he will not be loved by God! God loved us first, He loved us anyway and He loves us eternally!
F. His love is Supernatural, it is Sacrificing, it is Satisfying!
2.HIS LOVE WAS DEMONSTRATED AT CALVARY
A. God's love can never be fully understood, but it can be seen! It is best seen at the cross!
B. He Stood In The Gap - 2 Cor. 5:21- For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him!………….HE TOOK Minds and YOUR PLACE!
C. He Saved Us From Hell - It is His death on the cross, the death that released His precious blood, that opened the door of salvation for every sinner who will come to God. 1 Pet. 1:18-19;
Eph. 1:7- In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace!; Col. 1:14- in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.;
Heb. 9:12-14. …………….. Rev. 1:5- To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood!
Thank God for the Blood of the Lord Jesus!!!!!
HIS LOVE IS DISPLAYED IN THE CHRISTIAN
A. It will be visible if it is possessed!
B. Notice throughout the Bible, there have been men who demonstrated God's love:
1. Forgiving Love - Joseph - Gen. 45:1-8……lied about, sold as a slave, ripped from his home and father, falsely accused. put in prison, waiting , waiting, and waiting all because of his jealous brothers!……..YET HE STILL FORGAVE…………………What’s your hangup?
2. Redeeming Love - Hosea - Hos. 3:1-3…………wife named Gomer…..a prostitute….yet!!….what redeeming love!
3. Compassionate Love – Peter denied Him …..lied about Him…..Yet Jesus still said……..On this Rock I will build my church!
4. Healing Love Me…………..angry…..bitterness……jealousy……..burning with lust………Yet Jesus still reached down and picked me up out of the mulch and mirey!……Psalm 103:1-4
C. When the love of God is present in the life of a believer, it will be visible in5 different areas.
1. Love For the Savior (Ill. John 14:15- If you love me keep my commandments!) (Ill. Ephesus - Rev. 2:4- you have left your first love!)
2. Love For the Scriptures (John 5:39)
3. Love For the Sanctuary (Heb. 10:25- not forsaking the assembling of us together , as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another and so much more as you see the day approaching)
(Ill. David - Psalms 122:1- I WAS GLAD WHEN THEY SAID TO ME, LET US GO INTO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD!)
4. Love For the Saints (1 John 4:20-21; 1 John 5:1-3) (Ill. John 13:35 - 1 John 4:12! When the saints walk in love, then God will be seen!)
5. Love For the Sinners -. Jesus had a heart for sinners - (Ill. God's love is more than just being loved! It is opening our lives so that the Lord can love through us. So that He can reach a world for Himself.)
Closing Invitation: A Heartfelt Question
Here today, amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday, I invite each of you to hold on to the heartfelt love that surrounds us — the love of family, the love from friends, and most importantly, the love from the One who sent His Son.
We ought to praise the Lord today for His overwhelming love! We can shout, we can run, we can turn flips and act like monkeys, but the best means we have of thanking Him for His love is by letting Him love through our lives and reach others for Jesus. I invite you to join me today as I ask the Lord to help me to love like Jesus. I thank Him for loving me, and I am sure you do too. Today let's show that love for God by doing His will and being what He would have us be, and by loving like He would have us love. By loving others exactly as we have been loved by God - Matt. 22:39- you shall love your neighbor as yourself!
Closing Prayer:
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts during this Advent season. Thank You for the gift of love embodied in Jesus. May we reflect that love to others around us. Help us to reach out to those who are hurting, share in joy with our neighbors, and create memories that honor Your love. May this Christmas be a season of transformation, healing, and profound love, as we wait in eager anticipation for the celebration of Your Son’s birth. We ask all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thank you all for being part of our service today. May your hearts be filled with love, and may you carry that love with you this Advent season!
