For December 22nd:

LOVE:

“Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem, in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. At about that time some astrologers from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in far-off eastern lands and have come to worship him.” King Herod was deeply disturbed by their question, and all Jerusalem was filled with rumors. He called a meeting of the Jewish religious leaders. “Did the prophets tell us where the Messiah would be born?” he asked. “Yes, in Bethlehem,” they said, “for this is what the prophet Micah wrote: ‘O little town of Bethlehem, you are not just an unimportant Judean village, for a Governor shall rise from you to rule my people Israel.’ Then Herod sent a private message to the astrologers, asking them to come to see him; at this meeting he found out from them the exact time when they first saw the star. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him too!” After this interview the astrologers started out again. And look! The star appeared to them again, standing over Bethlehem. Their joy knew no bounds! Entering the house where the baby and Mary, his mother, were, they threw themselves down before him, worshiping. Then they opened their presents and gave him gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”                Matthew 2:1-11, Living Bible

Today is the fourth Sunday in Advent and a continuation of the project described on the November 29^th entry. We continue celebrating our anticipation of the coming of our Savior, Jesus, by relighting the purple Candle of HOPE and the purple Candle of Peace, and the pink Candle of Joy from the first, second, and third Sundays of Advent. We light them again as we remember that Christ will come again to fulfill all of God’s promises to us; that Christ brings the world everlasting peace; and joy.                                          Light the last purple candle in your wreath. This is the Candle of LOVE.       Read the scripture verses above. The light of the Candle of Love is meant to remind us of the love that God has for us. Jesus shows us God’s perfect love. He is God’s love in human form. The Bible says in John 3:16 that “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”  “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails...” 1 Corinthians 13:4-12  

We light this candle today to remind us of how God’s perfect love is found in Jesus. Prayer: Thank you God for your many gifts, especially for Jesus, THE Gift of Love. Amen. 

CUMC Women’s Ministry