Unwrapping Advent: Through Voices of Wisdom Dec. 24
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Day 24
12 This is my commandment,
that you love one another as I have loved you.
13 No one has greater love than this,
to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.
15 I do not call you servants any longer,
because the servant does not know what the master is doing,
but I have called you friends,
because I have made known to you
everything that I have heard from my Father.
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you.
And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last,
so that the Father will give you
whatever you ask him in my name.
17 I am giving you these commands
so that you may love one another.
John 15:12-17, NRSVUE
Unwrapping the Gift of Love
Preparing food and sharing a meal with family and friends was always a memorable experience throughout my childhood. The hours spent shopping, chopping, barbecuing, and baking can be described as either creating countless calories amongst the chaos or a beautiful expression of love. Both are true, but I prefer the latter.
Recently, the time came to learn about gardening. I enjoy making a variety of fresh salsas so the opportunity to learn how to grow my own tomatoes and jalapeños to fire roast them seemed like a practical step forward for future gatherings. When did the project begin? Summer! When is it difficult to grow fruit-bearing plants? Texas summer!
As I began the simple tasks of watering, trimming, and watching, my current schedule was changing in time and in perspective. What began as an inconvenient obligation grew into an anticipated joy to see what would happen each day. Despite the challenging conditions of the season, flowers bloomed, tomatoes ripened, and jalapenos were as hot as the day’s temperature. This process of preparing and providing reminded me of the days of old, of the gifts of love.
Our Scripture reminds us that Jesus chose us first and provides for us in great love. This agape love, which is the highest form of love, is rooted in selfless affection, goodwill, and moral preference. Jesus chooses us to share this love with our family, friends, and those we meet each day. We are sent always to bear the fruit of Jesus’ birth and resurrection, which includes difficult seasons and the smallest of tasks. In bearing fruit, we find joy.
Rejoice and unwrap this gift of love!
Reflect: How are you setting time aside to experience Jesus? Scripture reading? Prayer? Corporate worship? Nature? Travel?
How does it feel that Jesus chooses you? What does that mean?
To whom are you being sent out to show and share Jesus’ love in this season of Advent?
Pray: O Gracious God, I thank you for loving me so deeply and that You chose me to experience the fullness of Your divine grace. Help me to say yes to You so that I may bear the fruit of sharing Your love with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Brett Smith
Second Half of Life Small Group