Advent 4

Last week we lit the candle of joy. We light it and the candles of hope and of peace again as we remember that Christ will come again and bring us everlasting peace and joy. We might think of the fourth candle of Advent as the candle of love. Its light is meant to remind us of the love which God has for us. Jesus embodies God's perfect love for us. He is God's love in human form. The Scripture says that "God so loved the world that he gave God's only Son, so that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life." Love is patient, love is kind, and envies no one. Love is never boastful or conceited, rude or selfish. Love isn't quick to take offense; it keeps no record of wrongs; it doesn't gloat over other people's troubles, but rejoices in the right, the good, and the true. There's nothing which love cannot face. There's no limit to its faith, hope, and endurance. Love persists and is unending. We light this candle today to remind us of how God's perfect love is found in Jesus the Christ.

Loving God, we thank you for your gift of love shown to us perfectly

in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Help us prepare our hearts to receive him.

Bless our worship. Help us to hear and to do your word. We as it in 

the name of the One born in Bethlehem. Amen.