Have you ever heard this before?

Whether we are talking about romantic relationships, familial relationships, collegial relationships, or general friendship, I believe love is what carries people through the difficult seasons. No matter what you may be going through, the love we share with the people beside us is our stabling force.

But what happens when that love fades or those relationships become frayed?

Believe it or not, love still holds us. However, it is not our love that I am speaking of, rather it’s God’s love. The Advent season is all about celebrating that God became flesh and lives among us. This is the ultimate example and reminder of divine love.

Regardless of our circumstances, God’s love will never fail us. This love is always going before us, behind us, and beside us. It is a love that is always present among us.

In Matthew 2:13-18, God leads Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to Egypt to find safety. In a time when King Herod has issued an edict to kill all the baby boys in Bethlehem, God’s love was there to protect and guide this precious family.

This week, we are reminded that God’s love also makes a way for us even when times are hard. When our circumstances seem unfavorable and/or stressful, God’s love continues to live among us and guides us to places of safety and security. Know that God’s love is for YOU.

This week, draw near to this love that already surrounds you. Pay attention to where God is present and working around you and allow yourself to be filled by that love. Ask God to pour love into you so that you may share that same love with all the folks in your life.

We hope you’ll come and celebrate God’s love with us this Sunday at 11am in person or online! This will be a special Blue Christmas Healing Service and we’ll get to experience the healing power of love and music together. We’ll also have a time to share in communion led by Bishop Carter as he ends his time with the Florida Conference. You don’t want to miss it!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Kipp