Last Sunday the third candle, that of joy, was lit along with the previous candles of hope and peace. We light them again as we remember that Christ will come again and bring us everlasting peace and joy. The fourth candle of Advent is the candle of love. Its light is meant to remind us of the love which God has for us. Jesus shows us God's perfect love. He is God's love in human form. The Scripture says that God so loved the world in giving 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, does not gloat over other people's troubles, but rejoices in the right, the good and the true. There is nothing which love cannot face; no limit to love's faith, its hope, its endurance. Love never ends. We light this candle today to remind us of how God's complete and unconditional love is found in Jesus.
Loving God, we thank you for the gift of love shown to us perfectly
in Jesus Christ the Lord. Help us prepare our hearts to receive him.
Bless our worship. Help us to hear and do your word.
We ask it in the name of the One born in Bethlehem. Amen.
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