“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing”

— John 15:4-5

This is a weekly reflection on the previous week’s sermon text. Each week there will be a devotional related to the scripture for the week, along with questions for reflection/discussion, as well as prayer. Feel free to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week or utilize in small group settings (growth groups, Sunday school, etc.)

John 3:16

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

Throughout the Sundays of Advent, we have been focusing on the theme of waiting…waiting with hope, peace, joy, and love. This Sunday we are discerning what it means to wait with Love. Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation of things to come. It is indeed about waiting for Christmas and the birth of Messiah. It is not passive waiting, but rather attentive waiting shaped in love. The Scripture for today can serve as a roadmap for us to follow on the advent journey. The verse can be summarized as Love Promised, Love Given and Love received. Continuing the waiting theme, one could look at these individually.

Love Promised in Waiting: (God so Loved the world)

Mary and Elizabeth of the Nativity story waited in humble faith after being informed of their being blessed with a child. They realized waiting is not just a distant hope, but a personal journey marked by trust, patience, and the unfolding of God’s promise.

Love revealed in Giving: (God gave his only Son)

As God gives we also must give. We can give financially by participating in our church’s benevolent giving. We also can put love into action and give of ourselves by baking cookies for a neighbor, inviting one who is alone to dinner, or giving a treasured item away rather than purchasing a gift.

Love received in Believing (whoever believes may not perish but may have eternal life)

A gift under the tree is not a gift unless you lift it, unwrap it and receive it! Faith and believing in the opening of the gift. Belief is saying Yes to God’s I Love You. Receiving by faith is to trust. Open the gift God gives to each of us. Step into Gods Embrace and say yes. On Christmas and through the ordinary rhythms of life.

Merry Christmas!

Deacon Dave

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come to you now. We can see Christmas Day, we can feel Christmas Day, but we are not there yet. Help us not to jump ahead but to embrace the preparation. Let us open our hearts to receive your love. Let us open our hearts to be hospitable to others. Let us open our hearts to be givers to all we encounter. We ask this in your holy name, Amen.