It’s that time of the year. After the early hints that Christmas was coming (on the heels of Halloween at some big box stores!), we have almost arrived. Red and green are everywhere. Carols have taken over the radio. Mail carriers are buzzing around neighborhoods at all hours of the day and night.

What a season! Merry Christmas to all!!

Hopefully, we’ve all been setting aside some time to reflect on the meaning and magnitude of Jesus’ coming in the midst of our preparations and celebrating. Our church family has been pulling together this advent season by tracing some things we learn about love as we reflect on the coming of the great King of Love.

Love is a rugged commitment. First, there’s no way we ever make it to Christmas if love isn’t a rugged commitment. Despite our great and noble calling to know God, to govern creation, and to propagate God’s blessing everywhere, humanity has been plagued by rebellion against God since the very beginning. When God set apart a family of people to help guide the rest of humanity back to him, they were every bit as idolatrous and rebellious. For generation after generation. Flickers of light amidst overwhelming darkness. And despite all this, God’s love never wavered.

Love is WITH. There’s an old religious idea called deism – the basic idea is that God created the world as if he were some sort of cosmic watch maker. Then he simply stepped back to watch as the world ticks around doing its thing. But that’s not what God is like. That’s not love. Love doesn’t stand at a distance. Love doesn’t act from afar. Love isn’t well wishing or strong sentiment. Love steps in and stands alongside. Love is present. Love is WITH.

Love is FOR. We’re celebrating Christmas because love is a rugged commitment. We’re celebrating Christmas because love is present and with us. But that’s not all. Love acts. Love isn’t neutral. Love is FOR. Love intercedes. Love advocates. Love steps in on behalf of others and does for others what they can’t do for themselves. Love acts.

Love transforms. Finally, the coming of the King of Love reveals that love transforms. Love redeems. Love realizes potential. Love restores and renews. Love doesn’t leave things the same. It doesn’t transform from a distance like a hammer dropping from the heavens. It transforms because it is ruggedly committed to our best. It transforms from right alongside us. It transforms by acting on our behalf. It invites. It pulls us higher and deeper. It whispers. It reminds. It draws. It doesn’t leave us as we are.

There’s a lot more that could be said about love. Not the least of which is that God is love. And we’re to be a people of love. In fact, if we don’t love people (ruggedly committed, present, for, and transforming), we don’t actually love God. (See 1 John.) It’s a big deal. And it all began coming in to focus when Jesus came. What a King!

This Christmas, may you know the King of Love. May he reveal himself to us more and more. May we be drawn into his love. May we be filled with his love – both to love him more genuinely and to love all of our brothers and sisters.

Merry Christmas!!!