Weeks of Illumination

WRITTEN BY DREW MATZ

Exploring the Advent Wreath: Part Five

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
-John 13:34-35

Love

We have now come to the final candle of Advent to be lit before Christmas: the candle of love. The theme of this week is appropriate, for our Lord teaches us that all of the scriptures from the law through the prophets can be distilled down to love of God and love of neighbor.

This love is made manifest to us in the flesh at the birth of Jesus, as he teaches us in the famous words of John 3:16:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

We speak at length about love in our society, but we reflect little on what the word actually means. Thankfully, we are given the perfect picture of love in the life of Jesus – who came not with preconditions or a list of more commandments to get right with God. He did not demand anything from us. On the contrary, he came into the world in spite of us. Our heard-heartedness and callousness did not prevent him from demonstrating his love.

As Paul teaches,

..but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
-Romans 5:8

The heart of the Gospel is that we do not deserve God’s favor. Indeed, we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s standard (Romans 3:23). Yet, God is love, and love cannot help but lay itself down for others. It is in essence sacrifice, demonstrated by God’s son setting aside his own divinity and condescending to us – born under the law and in the flesh – that we might be set free from sin, death, and the Devil.

As we approach Christmas day, make it a point to reflect on this astonishing love of God. Consider the gravity of Jesus forsaking his divine glory in order to redeem us – even while we still opposed him.

Article written by Drew Matz

A native of Southeastern Ohio, Drew moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana where he earned an MA in Theology from Concordia Theological Seminary, cultivating a love for Historical Theology and Biblical Languages. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from Franklin University. Being from the Appalachian Foothills, Drew is passionate about the outdoors and the natural wonder it inspires. Drew currently resides in Fort Wayne with his wife and daughter.