Christmas and the Queen City – Advent Conspiracy
Love starts as an act of the will. In Jesus’ last days before He was arrested, He met with His disciples in an upper room and made sure they knew that He was giving them a new command. The disciples understood that they were to love God and love their neighbors as a duty from the Old Testament, but this new command was to love “as I have loved you”. (John 13:7-8) This love that Jesus commanded encompassed:

1. Pursuit – God pursues us through the giving of His Son, Jesus
2. Intentionality – There was a specific plan and an deliberate act of love (1 John 4:7)
3. Presence – Jesus experienced all that we experience, and He promises to never leave us or forsake us.
4. Sacrifice – Jesus gave His life so that we may live eternally (John 3:16

1 John 4:19 says, “We love because He first loved us”. This is the essence of Christmas! The incarnation has a purpose, and we will never love anybody until we truly know the love of our Father and give our life to Him.

The world around us is tired of “talk” and especially “judgmental hateful talk”. We must do something with the knowledge we have. Remember, love can be very inconvenient. It is a choice, and when you do it, Christ is proclaimed in your life!

Merry Christmas!

To discuss as a family today
1. What is the love language of each member of your family? (words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time, acts of service, receiving gifts) http://www.5lovelanguages.com/

2. Recall a time when someone ministered to you with their presence. How did that show you love? Who needs your presence more than your presents?

3. Often extended family gatherings have strained relationships. How will you allow God to fill your heart with love this week so that you can overflow His love to your family?

Prayer
Thank you Father for your pursuit of me through the intentional gift of your Son. I will choose to worship you fully this week as I remember your sacrifice for me. I confess that often I get selfish in my flesh and do not do a good job of loving others well. Help me to show your love to those in my circle. Thank you for the gift of family and for how you care for us. I commit to put you first this week in all the traditions and joy. I want that joy, laughter, and sweet memories to center on you. Amen.