IT HAD TO BE LOVE

Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. The theme is LOVE, which runs through the Bible as a scarlet thread from Genesis to Revelation. The word “LOVE” is mentioned 574 times in the NIV Bible.

What does “love” mean to you?  If you are like me, you do not tell the people you love, often enough…that you love them.  It is one of my regrets.  I am trying to do a better job in this area of my life.  I believe that all of us like to hear the words: I LOVE YOU and YOU ARE LOVED.

Several years ago, a young lady in one of my classes told me that she was distressed. She said that no one loved her.  I asked these questions.  "How many people have you told lately that you love them?"  "Have you told your Mom, Dad, Brother(s), and Sister(s) that you loved them?"  I challenged her to go home and tell them that she loved them and share her results with me.  Upon entering class the next day, she had a smile on her face and was very happy.  She said, “Mr. Lowery, you were right, everyone loves me.”

When LeeAnn and I were dating, I remember telling her in my letters, phone calls, and when we were together that I loved her.  Now, 55 years later, it seems that I take this simple phrase for granted, and I do not utter it as frequently as I used to. That needs
to change on my part.  She needs to hear it and I need to say it. 

As we celebrate Christmas, we need to remember God’s love and the reason Jesus came.  John 3:16 (kjv) says: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have
everlasting life."

I invite you to read 1 Corinthians 13 which is often called the LOVE CHAPTER of the Bible.  Also digest Mark 12:30-31.

MERRY CHRISTMAS,  Galen