DAY FOURTEEN: THE STANDARDS OF LOVE

12/14/24

I love the Christmas season. I love the lights, the decorations, the hot chocolate, and the warm fuzzies I feel when I see my children enjoying their gifts. I love the Christmas Eve church services, and the crafts, the hugs, and teaching kids the Christmas story.

During the Advent season, do you find yourself like me–lost in loving all the things that come with the season? Are you neglecting to direct that love toward the Savior himself, who is the definition and standard of love; a standard he set by humbly entering the earth just to die a death we deserved?

In Mark chapter 12, Jesus is posed with the question, “which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus’ answer flipped the world upside down. “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.”

This Advent season, I pose a question to you, “How are you loving God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength?” As you sit in reflection, my prayer is that you direct your love toward the Father; that your love for Him consumes your heart, soul, mind and strength; that more than the love of the things that usher in with the Advent season, you remember to love the Father first and entirely.

- Jess Meadows