During this season of Advent we are reflecting on God’s love for us through the birth of His Son Jesus Christ, as we remember and anticipate his return. How do we define love and how do we express it? We can go to Scripture for the answer. Read the famous “love passage” from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
Let these words sink in. Reflect on each expression of love that is listed, then think about how you can show that kind of love to those around you. You might also reflect on how that love has been shown to you, and thank God for His provision for you through others.
One of the most compelling things about Jesus is that he experienced what it means to be fully human. He understands that sometimes we need people (“Jesus with skin” as I once heard someone say) to be the expression of His love for us. Is that you? Is there someone God has brought into your path today to share His love with? Or have you received that from someone else? You might reach out and encourage them by thanking them for what they have done for you. Jesus came down from heaven to be “God with us” but he also wants us to be God’s love to each other. To be “Jesus with skin.”
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Today’s Activity: How can you be “Jesus with skin” to someone today? Think of someone that has helped you on your journey. Many people spend a lot of time helping others and their efforts are often not recognized. While they are doing it to serve God, it is still nice to hear affirmation from others once in awhile. Reach out to thank them in person, with a phone call, or a handwritten card that they can keep and look at when they are feeling discouraged. You can pop a gift card for a cup of coffee with it as a nice gesture – although the words you express in the card will be treasured much more. “Being Jesus with skin” simply means showing you care.
Nancy Golden earned her master’s degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. She is an adjunct faculty member at Dallas Christian College and she and her husband Phil are members of the Church of the Nazarene in Carrollton, Texas where they serve in various capacities. Today’s blog post is an excerpt (Day Ten) from her Advent devotional book – Taking Back Advent: Moving from the Mundane to the Miraculous, for sale just in time for the holidays. It is now available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback. Nancy hopes you’ll consider adding this devotional to your holiday tradition and join her in Taking Back Advent as we move through the Christmas season!