Words of Love: An Advent Devotional

Love is at the very heart of Advent. It’s what started it all. God loved us so much that He sent Jesus into our broken, messy world—not to judge or condemn us, but to rescue us. To be with us. To show us what love truly looks like.

And yet, during the rush of the season, love can sometimes feel like just another thing on our 'to-do list.' Oh, yes, I have to buy all the things, make all the things, prep all the things, and clean…oh my, do I have to clean! Right, right, task number 26: Be loving. Love others.

Shoot. Did I? Maybe I was curt with that store clerk? Maybe I was a bit gruff with that parent who really wanted their child to be Mary, but I’d already cast Mary.

But here’s the incredible truth about God’s love: it’s not something we have to earn or strive for. It’s already here. It’s with us in the quiet moments and the chaotic ones, in the triumphs and the struggles. God’s love isn’t just for the kids we’re leading; it’s for you, too.

Oh friend, let yourself rest in that love. Take a moment—just a moment—to breathe in the truth that you are deeply, unshakably loved by God. Not because of what you do (or even how you do it!), but because of who you are.

And as you let that love fill you, something amazing happens. Like joy, like hope, it overflows. The way you interact with the kids, caregivers, and volunteers in your ministry begins to reflect that same love. It’s not about doing more or being more. Read that again. It’s about letting God’s love move through you, just as it moved through Jesus when He came to earth.

Love is the thread that ties the whole Advent story together. It’s why the angels sang, why the shepherds ran, and why Mary said yes. It’s why we’re here—why we have the privilege of walking with kids and families as they discover the depth of God’s love for themselves.

God is love. God made us from his love. God sent Jesus because of love. Love is the theme, love is the song, love is what fills our hearts and our lives. Receive the love.

Pray with me:

God of all creation, weave us more deeply into the fabric of your love. We desire to bask fully in your love. True love. Fill us with it, today. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear when and where we see your love reflected in our lives today.

We simply want to sit in the awareness of your love right now. (Take a moment to focus here.)

Thank you. Thank you. We love you. In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen