Advent

Fourth Sunday of Advent: Angel Candle or Candle of Love

God of the Indescribable

Luke 2:13-14 “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God and saying

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth. Peace among those with whom he is pleased.”

 

Today we light the Angel Candle or the Candle of Love.

Have you ever been to a professional theater production? You sit in an auditorium anxiously waiting for the opening scene. Although the large velvet curtain is closed to hide the stage you can hear preparations going on behind it, heightening the anticipation of what’s to come.

In our reading today we see the curtain of heaven rolled back and a magnificent scene unfolding before our eyes. Angels, a multitude of heavenly hosts too numerous to count, too beautiful to describe singing in adoring worship and praise!

400 years of silence between the Old and New Testament had come to an end. God was speaking again! The New Testament was about to be written so all future generations could hear the voice of God echoing through the work of his son Jesus Christ.

How intricate the details of this baby’s story! Beginning in Genesis we see the plan of redemption taking shape and, as time unfolds, all history baptized in a river of divine blood, shed on our behalf so we could commune with heavenly Father for all eternity!

John 3:16 reminds us “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes on him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

From the mouth of God to the hearts of man. It has always been about love.

Love drove God the Father to set these events into motion before time began. Love bore the Christ child into adulthood and onto the cross. Love paid for our sin, love made a way for eternity with him.

One day we will see him face to face, when the veil separating heaven and earth parts and ushers us into his presence. 1 Cor. 2:9 “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” Indescribable, unfathomable love.

The story began in love. Everything since Genesis 1:1 has revolved around his desire to have you with him forever. He longs for you to put your trust in him.  He will carry your burdens, he will tenderly hold your heart, he will speak words of comfort into your brokenness. All you need to do is come to him today.

Let his love be your story.