Week 4: A Message of Love (2024)

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us.
1 John 3:16

As the Advent season culminates, the greatest joy we celebrate is not in the presents or festivities, but in the profound love of God. A young student at Cornerstone expressed this beautifully when he said he was most excited about Jesus coming to the holiday, adding, “and Jesus doesn’t want us to be on the naughty list.” His simple words remind us of the heart of Christmas—Jesus came to offer us forgiveness and redemption, wiping away our sins and making us whole. This love, displayed through Christ’s birth, leads us to a joy far deeper than any material gift.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us open our hearts to the joy of this love, which knows no bounds. Just as the wise men followed the star to find the Savior, we too are invited to follow the signs that lead us to Jesus—the Savior who brings peace, joy, and eternal life. This Christmas, may we rejoice in the gift of God’s love, the love that fills our hearts with true, lasting joy. Let us remember that the birth of Jesus is not just a historical event but the glorious beginning of God’s great love for us—love that will never end.