Third Week of Advent
Love Came Down in Bethlehem
We are a people who live in a time almost total dedicated to the concept of power, especially to run all our machines, from cars to computers. Power is a watchword of our time. But what is the most powerful force in the world? What is the strongest force on earth? Is it military might or political clout? Is it influence or money or position? How would you answer that question? The Bible says it is love. In our modern world, we give so much time, energy, and effort chasing after the wrong kinds of power; and then along comes Christmas. We find Bethlehem, which calls us back to the power of love.
The world teaches us that we can find power in position and fame and money, and this is true to a degree. The problem is, the power associated these things is fleeting and doesn’t last. Leaders will come and go, fads will flourish and fade, military establishments will rise and fall; and money can buy many things but not one extra minute of a person’s life. But God’s truth and love will remain because love is more powerful than all of these.
God’s love came down in Bethlehem when Christ came to us in this world in the power of love. The Word of God became flesh and blood and was wrapped up in a person named Jesus, who came and dwelt among us full of grace, full of truth, full of love. He could have chosen the way of might or clout or fame or wealth or force; but instead, he chose the way of love. He came to live in love, the most powerful force in the world, that we might live meaningfully.
There is a quote about the power of love by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a paleontologist and priest:
“Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love, and then, for a second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”
Focus for the Third Week of Advent
We find Bethlehem when we discover the strength and power of love given to us through Jesus. This week look for ways the power of love is at work in your life. Consider how you might demonstrate love in your words and actions to others.
Advent Prayer
O God, help me to see and to believe that love is the most powerful force in all your creation. Help me to find ways, day by day, to love others as you love us. In Christ, I pray. Amen
Excerpt from “Finding Bethlehem in the Midst of Bedlam ”
by James W. Moore