Advent Series- LOVE

This is usually called the Bethlehem Candle because of expectation and anticipation of the coming Messiah.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times.”

-Michah 5:2

Bethlehem means “House of Bread,” who is Jesus. How wonderful for us to celebrate every Christmas by going to Bethlehem.

This prophesy which was written about 700 years before the birth of Christ eliminates all other cities throughout the world as a place in which the Messiah would be born. The New Testament books Matthew and Luke name the town of Bethlehem as the birthplace  of Jesus. Matthew 2 describes the birth of Jesus as Micah’s prophecy fulfillment. Remarkable, isn’t it?

The advent theme of LOVE points to the birthplace of Jesus the Messiah because He is love.
      Jesus is the supreme enactment of love.
      Jesus came to earth to show us His divine love.
      Jesus promises in I Corinthians 13 that love is the longest-lasting gift.

What does this theme of LOVE have to do with us?

I see myself and other believers as instruments of Christ’s love. When we begin a relationship with Christ, our purpose is unique and special. We are designed to love and serve people personally and creatively in our gifting and calling.

I will give two examples of what gifting and calling look like for me. A calling for me is prayer intercession. I realize that all believers have a prayer life and pray for others. Prayer intercession has been something I have been drawn to for over 30 plus years. Wherever we have lived in and out of the U.S. I find a few people to pray with on a regular basis.

Encouragement and acts of service to others are gifts that bring me joy. When I listen to the Lord’s still, small voice and act on it I am able to see people who have needs encouraged. Often I have had a person on my mind, sometimes for days and finally called them. I find that they have great needs of encouragement or prayer that I knew nothing about but the phone call meets their needs. This makes me listen more carefully the next time someone stays on my mind. Or it makes me more observant that someone needs food or a service.

Have a joyful fulfilling time today as you use your gifts and callings to LOVE people.