A famous painting by John Everett Millais depicts Christ as a toddler playing in the carpenter shop of His earthly father, Joseph. The sun pouring through the window casts a shadow forming a cross. Thus, allowing us to clearly see the very reason for which Christ came forth into the world.
The fourth week of Advent represents the season of love as “God, so loved the world, that He gave His Only Son…” to be the supreme sacrifice to pay the debt of human sin. Jesus said of Himself, “Greater love has no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
God’s love for fallen, sinful man is so much more than just a painting. Nor is it just words. Rather, God’s love was demonstrated when the baby of Bethlehem became the Christ of Calvary; laying down His life on a cruel cross; becoming the Supreme Sacrifice to atone for the sins of man. God did not just say, “I love you,” but proved His love in an un-mistakeable action.
Often when we say the words “I love you,” they may be empty and without proof. But when we put our words into action, our sincerity is no longer brought into question.
As Jesus walked upon this earth He told His followers, as recorded in Matthew 19:19, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Can you imagine how different our world would be if we all obeyed His command? Wars would cease; senseless murders would cease; the maiming and killing of others would cease; as would the vicious destruction of property. Men and women would have mutual respect for one another. But sadly, that will never happen because man’s heart is full of deceit and rage and is often focused upon self.
1 Corinthians 13 is often called ‘The Love Chapter,’ and is often used in wedding ceremonies to define how a man and woman are to demonstrate their love through their actions toward one another. However, such actions should be demonstrated towards others at all times, even when strangers or just casual acquaintances. In verses 4-8 Paul wrote, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”
In this season of peace on earth, may it also be a season of love as we forget about self and think of others, for this is the will of God in His Son.
Jerry L. Dunn is pastor of Oak Street Baptist Church, located at 605 East Oak Street in Kingman.
