Dearly beloved,

As we gather this week, we mark the 4th week of Advent, lighting the candle of love. Love is at the heart of our faith, for it is love that was born in that manger. Here is a prayer of love as we draw ever nearer to the birth of Christ:

Most loving God,
of all your gifts,
the greatest is love.

What a treasure it is!
We love imperfectly—
sometimes selfishly,
sometimes generously,
sometimes not at all.
Yet your love for me never fails.

Others find their ways to love me well;
I am blessed to love them in return.
Help me to know the depth
and breadth of
your radical, unselfish love
and to share it freely,
not only with my dear ones
but also with the stranger and the enemy.
As the unmerited recipient of your unending love,
I pray that my love may join yours
in transforming the stranger
and enemy into neighbor and friend. Amen.

(Prayers for Life’s Ordinary and Extraordinary Moments . Upper Room)

peace in Christ,
Pastor Jen