Devotional (December 21) – Nick Parker
In my life, one of the greatest acts of love someone showed me was through baking brownies. When I was 10 years old, I met one of my best friends, Mike. We often would hang out after school at his house and play in the woods till it got dark. His mom developed a practice for every time that I came over she would make brownies. Now this might seem like a small and irrelevant detail, but to me it meant the world. My family life growing up was rocky & challenging at times, so it meant the world to me that my friend’s family welcomed me in as one of their own and treated me with such kindness through a simple act of making brownies. Loving both friends, neighbours, enemies, etc. is central to the way of Jesus.
Matthew 45:43-44 – 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
John 13:34-35 – 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
The ultimate act of love was the Father sending His Son, Jesus to Earth as a baby. The most unexpected gift of love given to humanity, but the most important. God loved us so much that He came to Earth to not only tell us about this love, but let love become incarnate and show us what it means to love. Love can be extravagantly embodied through simple acts like baking brownies that can shape someone’s life forever.
In my life, one of the greatest acts of love someone showed me was through baking brownies. When I was 10 years old, I met one of my best friends, Mike. We often would hang out after school at his house and play in the woods till it got dark. His mom developed a practice for every time that I came over she would make brownies. Now this might seem like a small and irrelevant detail, but to me it meant the world. My family life growing up was rocky & challenging at times, so it meant the world to me that my friend’s family welcomed me in as one of their own and treated me with such kindness through a simple act of making brownies. Loving both friends, neighbours, enemies, etc. is central to the way of Jesus.
Matthew 45:43-44 – 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
John 13:34-35 – 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
The ultimate act of love was the Father sending His Son, Jesus to Earth as a baby. The most unexpected gift of love given to humanity, but the most important. God loved us so much that He came to Earth to not only tell us about this love, but let love become incarnate and show us what it means to love. Love can be extravagantly embodied through simple acts like baking brownies that can shape someone’s life forever.
Prayer
God, we thank you that you love us unconditionally in spite of our best efforts to replace you with our idols. We pray that we would be filled with your love so we in turn can love as Jesus did. May we humbly love and serve others including our enemies and neighbours. We pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Song
Listen to “O Holy Night by Raye”
“Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace.” What are some of the ways that Jesus has been teaching you to love others well? What are some of the ways that Jesus has shown you His love?
Advent Practice: The Blessing of Presence – How will we practice hospitality?
Living with love and with compassion is an invitation to deepen relationships. How can you create opportunities to welcome people into relationship? Consider inviting some friends together for a meal. Find some new visitors at SAC and invite them for coffee. Host a games night for some fun, laughter, and conversation. Are you hosting a family meal? Consider inviting someone who has no family near them.
God, we thank you that you love us unconditionally in spite of our best efforts to replace you with our idols. We pray that we would be filled with your love so we in turn can love as Jesus did. May we humbly love and serve others including our enemies and neighbours. We pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Song
Listen to “O Holy Night by Raye”
“Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace.” What are some of the ways that Jesus has been teaching you to love others well? What are some of the ways that Jesus has shown you His love?
Advent Practice: The Blessing of Presence – How will we practice hospitality?
Living with love and with compassion is an invitation to deepen relationships. How can you create opportunities to welcome people into relationship? Consider inviting some friends together for a meal. Find some new visitors at SAC and invite them for coffee. Host a games night for some fun, laughter, and conversation. Are you hosting a family meal? Consider inviting someone who has no family near them.
