When I was in 7th grade, my class took a trip to New York City, and I was determined to buy an “I ♥ NY” t-shirt. I’d never been to New York, yet I searched every gift shop for that cliché, cheap t-shirt—probably just wanting to be trendy or prove I’d been there to others back home. I laugh at that now, but it reminds me how casually we use the word love. It’s on shirts, mugs, bumper stickers, and used for everything from ice cream to the people closest to us. Even in the past week, you can probably recall several times you’ve heard or said the word.
But when a word is used so casually, its meaning can become thin. We are quick to see it, say it and use it, yet often we don’t stop to consider its full meaning. In a culture where expressions of love are fleeting, conditional, or centered on self, we forget what true love really is. The Advent season invites us to pause and reflect—not at the skewed idea of love offered by the world, but at a deeper, steadier love that Jesus displays.
As Christians celebrate the Christmas season, we reflect on the greatest picture of love: when God sent His perfect Son, Jesus, to this Earth– a love that came near in a manger and continues to draw near to us now. Throughout Scripture, we see God display perfect love that is everlasting (Lamentations 3:22), unconditional (1 John 4:10), sacrificial (John 3:16), a love that makes us new (2 Corinthians 5:17), and a love that nothing can separate us from (Romans 8:38–39).
We see God’s heart for us in how He created us, how He provides for us and ultimately how He sacrifices his Son for us. Paul, in Ephesians 3, prays that the church at Ephesus would be able to comprehend the length, height and depth of Christ’s love. My prayer is the same during this season. May we take time to pause and reflect on Christ’s love for us, understanding its vastness and letting it draw us closer to Him. Experiencing the love of Christ begins with knowing the love of Christ.
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:11
“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
When we see the depth of God’s love for us, we’re reminded that it was not meant to stop with us. The love we receive from God becomes the love we extend to our families, our neighbors, and even to those who may be difficult to love. This season gives us countless opportunities to live this out. Whether it’s taking time to talk to the cashier while Christmas shopping or caring for those in need in your town, how will you be intentional about sharing the love of Christ in this season?
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus—the embodiment of perfect love—may our hearts be shaped to reflect that love in every interaction. This season, may others catch glimpses of Christ through the way we love, serve, and give ourselves on behalf of one another.
Reflection Questions:
- In the busyness of the holiday season, what intentional practices can help me slow down and reflect on Christ’s love?
- How might God be calling you share the love of Christ to others this holiday season?
Laura Katherine Dupuy
Impact 360 Institute
Organizational Leadership Resident