"Jesus shows us God's perfect love. He is God's perfect love in human form. Those who believe in Him and live in Him, live in love. Love transforms and perfects all things. It never ends.
We light this candle today to remind us that God is love. We thank God for HOPE He gives us, for the PEACE He bestows, for the JOY He pours into our hearts, and for the LOVE that redeems us and shows us the way."
Let us pray: "O God of Love, Emmanuel, send your light into our hearts at this time. Help us to be ready for the time of Christ's appearing. grant that we may so dwell in Him that His perfect love fills our entire being. Make our worship a time in which we celebrate Your love and are made ready to show that love to the whole world--both today--and forevermore. Amen."
We sing this verse to the tune of "Away in the Manger":
"A candle is burning, a candle of love, a candle to point us to heaven above.
A baby for Christmas, a wonderful birth, for Jesus is bringing God's love to our earth."
Following our advent candle lighting service, we had our Christmas Cantata: "Joy Has Dawned"
I pray that as you continue in your preparations for Christmas, you will remember that Jesus came to earth as a little baby, God in human flesh, because of love.
John 3:16 (KJV)
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Beautiful reminder of what Christmas is all about!
ReplyDeleteI know your choir is such a blessing to your church. I used to love singing in the choir. The music video is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your encouragement posts.Love reading about Advent. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Pam.
ReplyDeleteLovely post. One day you must have someone record the performance so we can hear the choir too. :)
ReplyDeleteIf you click on the link to the songbook above, it will play the whole cantata. That isn't our choir, however, but I know you will enjoy the music very much. This was a beautiful program.
Delete"Love transforms and perfects all things. It never ends."
ReplyDeleteOh, this struck a cord with me, Pamela. Amen!
Yes...we need that love today in our land, don't we? Praying for that perfect love to come and permeate our souls.
Delete"For God so loved the world..."
DeleteAmen.
Pamela, look how long we have known eachother!
This IS Christmas in a nutshell.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful reflection on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Pamela. Yes, God came to be with us because He loved us so much. Celebrating Jesus!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
This is a lovely reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. God chose to come to earth as a baby to help us understand His ways and how He expects us to live.
ReplyDelete