Love is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, who resides in the heart of the believer, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22, 23 NRSV). Since God is the author of all these good things, when one becomes a Christian, and is united to God through faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit imparts these qualities to the believer.
Sunday, December 20, 2020
Suggestion: every chore (big or small) you do, whether you are doing for yourself or someone else, treat as a labour of love.
1 Corinthians 16:14 Do everything in love.
Monday, December 21, 2020
Suggestion: make a conscious effort to treat each person you meet or speak with during your day, with love and kindness.
1 John 4:16 – “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Suggestion: give love the status that God wants us to – first place. Perhaps find a volunteer opportunity.
Colossians 3:14 “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity”.
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Suggestion: when you get the feeling that a special someone in your life is reaching out – check in. Give them the love and support that they may need. Put a note in your calendar to follow up with that person in January.
Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times”.
Thursday, December 24, 2020
Suggestion: live your life, day by day, knowing that love for everyone is most important.
1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love”.
Christ Candle – Christmas Eve
The Christ Candle represents the light that the Son brought into the world when he was born a little baby, God in the flesh. The fact that the Advent candles remain on Christmas Eve puts the focus on this special moment of birth, the moment of transition from prophecy to fulfillment.
On Christmas Day and the Christmas Sundays, the Advent candles are usually removed, but the Christ Candle remains. This reminds us that old things have passed away, and all has been made new.
The colour white stands for purity, light, and victory. Jesus is pure — without sin and because of his sacrifice he makes us white as snow. He is the light in the darkness and the victor over sin and death. We have life because of him.
Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins be like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool”.
2020 has been very challenging and different. We hope that these readings and suggested activities have given you comfort and encouragement!
Merry Christmas Everyone, from The Wednesday Night Bible Study Group!