By Amy Driver, Local Preacher on Trial, Leigh & Hindley Circuit
Reading : 1 John 4 v. 7 – 12
Notes:
Almost there! Just 3 more sleeps! “God sent his one and only Son into the world, that we might live through him”.
How are you feeling? Calm and ready, or stressed and anxious? Or perhaps somewhere in between?
“Since God loved us, we also ought to love one another”.
Ought. A tricky word that! I find this time of year so full of “shoulds” and “oughts” – the world tells us we should have bought everyone the perfect, thoughtful, gift and have wrapped it beautifully. We ought to be all ready with the food preparations, and on Christmas day itself, we should be able to have a magical day with all our loved ones.
Doesn’t always turn out that way, does it?
Let us love one another, for love comes from God.
God loves us whoever we are, whatever we do, however perfect or imperfect our Christmas celebration is. We are called to love one another, because God loves us, not because we complete the “Hallmark Perfect Christmas” checklist!
Wonder:
I wonder how life would be if we let go of the “oughts” and the “shoulds”?
Can we find ways to lean in to God’s love for us, and so share it with those around us?
What “shoulds” and “oughts” are you holding onto? How would it be to let go of them?
Prayer:
God, our Life-light of Love
Be present to us in these last few days of Advent
May we find your love for us
In our imperfect preparations
So that we can share it with those around us
Amen.