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Love took on flesh Love came near Love has a face Love is full of grace and truth Application points: Let Jesus define love for you Stop hiding from God when He has come near Stop loving from a distance
Join us each week for a brief encouraging word from Pastor Roger Hirth or one of our associate pastors.
At City Church California, we exist for anyone to BELIEVE in God, to BECOME like Jesus and to BUILD together.To get connected, give, or take your next steps click here https://linktr.ee/cccinfo
Listen to this week's sermon with pastor Sharon Miller as she engages the fourth theme of Advent: Love.
CHRISTMAS AT KENSINGTON: https://www.kensingtonchurch.org/christmas Come & See | Dec 23-24 A star illuminated the way thousands of years ago – and it still shines as an invitation today. An invitation reaching into the shadows, crossing margins and tracks,leaping over every boundary we draw on this earth – reaching all the way to you and to me. The invitation to Come & See. Come and see the newborn Jesus. Come and see the way of Jesus. Come and see the kingdom of Jesus. This is your invitation to come and see! Bring along family and friends and make sure to RSVP so we can save you a seat!
Pastor Mike Overstreet continues our Advent season as we prepare for the arrival of Jesus on Christmas!
Jeremiah preaches about God being love12/21/25Support the show
Sermon preached by Fr Matt Tebbe at The Table's worship service on December 21, 2025, (Fourth Sunday of Advent)
Advent is the reliving of the anticipation of the coming Savior that has arrived in Jesus and reminding ourselves of the anticipation of the return of the Savior. Peace, Joy, Hope, and Love are not just nice sentiments, they are what Jesus invites us into as we follow Him.
By this point in December, love has been merchandised within an inch of its life. It jingles in ads that say if you really love someone, you should buy them a luxury car with a bow the size of a house. But Advent tells another story. God did not arrive in a grand gesture—no skywriting, no fireworks, no leather interior with heated seats. Love slipped into a Bethlehem stable, swaddled in rags. This is not the love we usually want. We’d prefer it to be shiny and obvious. Instead, God gives us the kind of love that chooses vulnerability. A baby who cannot even hold up his huge noggin. A terrified teenage mom. And a dad who's trying to believe this is not all a terrible mistake. And yet—this is the love that remakes the whole world. Not quick or efficient, but slow and human. Love that needs to be changed and snuggled. Love that grows up to sit with outcasts and weep at gravesides and promise that nothing—not even death—can separate us from God. So here we are, a few days from Christmas, and maybe the invitation is to look for love in small ways. In a text that says, “Made it home safe.” In a neighbor shoveling your walkway. Love in the God who came close, unnoticed but never unneeded. Subscribe to Kate’s Substack for blessings, essays, and reflections that hold what’s hard and beautiful. Join us for Advent over there, too!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Recorded live at Capital Church in Meridian, Idaho Michael Boerner
Advent // Love John 3:16-17 (NIV)“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Love That Was Given for The Liberty of The Human Heart. What A Gift That Comes with God's Love!! … No Condemnation John 3:18-22 (ESV)“…But whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.” But We Weren't Designed to Live in Darkness Love is The Longing of The Human Heart Of every individual…We are created first and foremost to know the love of God…But mankind has chosen differently from God's desire and design… John 1:11-12 (NIV)“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 3:16 (NIV)“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” We see this about God's love…SO LOVED - His love is INTENSEHE GAVE - His love is GENEROUSHIS ONE AND ONLY SON - His love is INTENTIONALWHOSOEVER - His love is INCLUSIVEWOULD NOT PERISH BUT HAVE - His love is GRACIOUS His love is Intense, Generous, Intentional, Inclusive, and Gracious 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NLT)“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” Ephesians 5:1-2, 8-9 (NLT)“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us…For once, you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So, live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.” This Christmas, May We Again Experience The: Intense… Generous… Intentional… Inclusive… And Gracious… Love of God May We Love as We Have Been LovedMay The Light of Love Illuminate Our Hearts and Shape the Way We Live May We Live and Love with IntentionalityMay Our Lives Be the Light in a Darkening World, The Warmth of a Fire in a World That Grows Colder…May We Neither Live nor Love in Vain…
In this message from 1 John 4, we look at Christmas through the eyes of the Apostle John near the end of his life. After decades of ministry, suffering, and loss, John doesn't offer advice for fear—he offers good news: God is love. This teaching explores: Why fear doesn't just live in our thoughts, but in our nervous system How God's love takes the initiative long before we do What “perfect love” actually means—and how it casts out fear Why the opposite of love isn't hate, but fear How the incarnation of Jesus is God's answer to human anxiety Rather than calling us to be braver, Christmas invites us to receive love more fully—a love that is sacrificial, unconditional, and strong enough to heal even our deepest fears. If fear has shaped your expectations, habits, or faith, this message is an invitation to step further into the love of God—and to discover the freedom that comes with it. “There is no fear in love. Instead, perfect love drives out fear.” — 1 John 4:18
"In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." -1 John 4:9-10 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. On this episode, host Sandra Flach, completes her annual Advent series. Tune in this week as she shares the final Advent message about the arrival of God's greatest gift of love. She also shares a Holiday Survival Parenting Tip and a prayer for foster and adoptive parents. Listen to Sandra's Advent message—Love Arrives, Shines & Saves on Episode 511 wherever you get your podcasts. Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon Filled Retreat ReNew Retreat in NC
Pastor Ryan Deaton delivers a message, "Love" from the series "Echoing Advent" at Life Church in Fort Myers, Florida. (Sunday, December 21st, 2025 - 11:00AM) For more information, visit our website at: http://www.lifechurch.net Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifechurchfmy Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LifeChurchFMY Vimeo: http://www.vimeo.com/lifechurchfmy
Living Stones Church - Pine Trees - Our passion at Living Stones Church is to be the kind of church described in the Bible: A Culture of Faith. Together we love to actively pursue Spirit and Truth.
Pastor Josh Hall is the Lead Pastor of Ocean Church, located in Estero, FL.Ocean Church exists to partner with the work of God in people's lives.To stay connected to Ocean Church:Website: https://bit.ly/2vx8M2oOcean Church Facebook: https://bit.ly/2IXUsTqOcean Church Instagram: https://bit.ly/2vx8x7u
This week in our Advent series, we are reflecting on the love of God revealed in the gift of His Son. John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” God's love is personal, sacrificial, and transformative. He gave what was most precious to Him so that one day we could be where He is. Therefore, the gift of Jesus is the most profound and useful gift we will ever receive. Jesus came to bridge the gap between God and humanity. He became flesh so that we could understand God's heart. Romans 8:32 assures us that if God did not spare His Son, He will graciously provide for all our needs. God's love is not only for us to receive but also for us to share, flowing through us to bless others and extend His kingdom. This Christmas, let's reflect on the love we have received and consider how we can share it with those around us. Where do you need to receive God's love this season? Who needs to experience Christ's love through you? Let's conclude this Advent season with hearts ready to receive and hands prepared to share, living as a people transformed by the greatest love story ever told.
In our final week of Advent, we look at how we are more lost than we think and more loved than we could imagine.
You can find out more about us at our website www.vineandbranch.church It is a priority for us at Vine & Branch to make LGBTQIA+, all ethnicities and races, those with disabilities, and other marginalized people groups feel accepted, included, and valuable to the life of our community
Advent 2025Week 4 - Love (Candlelight Service)Isaiah 2:9-11
Advent Love (12-21-25) Dave Pommer by Grace Commons Church
You are the Light of the World; Matthew 5:14-16 by Rev. Josh Hall, Senior Pastor, on December 21, 2025, at FBCTLH. Third Sunday of Advent - LOVE
Today, Rev. Wendy Craig-Purcell's message is on "Advent" reflection presents Love as the universal heartbeat—agape, unconditional divine energy—calling us to embody compassion, see the divine in all, and contribute our awakened love to the collective transformation of humanity.Website: http://www.theunitycenter.net Download Our New App: https://theunitycenter.churchcenter.com/setupAsk Yourself This: https://www.amazon.com/Ask-Yourself-This-Questions-Expand/dp/087159336XSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/2hBqp7F Purchase Lesson Series Packages: https://theunitycenter.net/sunday-series-packagesListen to our Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YJWcAhQUnkEHFqBXQmz1G
Dive into the heart of Advent with Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner as he explores the profound meaning of love that stays. This episode unravels the essence of Advent love — a presence that refuses to distance, even in the face of fear and uncertainty. Join us in embracing a love that transforms through vulnerability and presence, inviting us to remain faithful and connected. Perfect for leaders seeking inspiration and depth in their spiritual journey.Advent love, presence, vulnerability, Isaiah, Romans, Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner, faith, connection, transformationTakeawaysAdvent love is about presence, not power.God's love is embodied, not abstract.Presence transforms fear into trust.Advent invites us to remain faithful.Love is entering pain without abandoning it.God's answer to fear is presence, not domination.Advent love is quiet and transformative.Presence matters more than ever in a noisy world.Faith is trust lived out, not mere agreement.God's love invites response, not control.Mentioned in this episode:Peace in that Finds You in the Middle of ChaosCozyearth.com. Use Code Echo for a 40% Discount Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner shares his experience with Cozy Earth's products, highlighting their impact on his family's comfort since moving to Nashville. He discusses the benefits of their bamboo-based bedding and blankets, emphasizing their softness, temperature regulation, and luxurious feel. The episode also includes a special discount offer for listeners. Keywords Cozy Earth, bamboo bedding, temperature regulation, luxury comfort, Nashville, family warmth, discount offer, Christmas gift, home sanctuary, podcast partnershipPeace in that Finds You in the Middle of ChaosCozyearth.com. Use Code Echo for a 40% Discount Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner shares his experience with Cozy Earth's products, highlighting their impact on his family's comfort since moving to Nashville. He discusses the benefits of their bamboo-based bedding and blankets, emphasizing their softness, temperature regulation, and luxurious feel. The episode also includes a special discount offer for listeners. Keywords Cozy Earth, bamboo bedding, temperature regulation, luxury comfort, Nashville, family warmth, discount offer, Christmas gift, home sanctuary, podcast partnership
Welcome to the fourth and final week of our Advent Meditation Journey. If you're longing for a more meaningful Advent season, this meditation invites you to reflect on love—the heart of Advent and the fulfillment of all our deepest hopes, longings, and desires. Throughout this series, we've explored hope, peace, and joy. Now, we turn to love—the love of God made flesh in Christ, Emmanuel. In this quiet time, you'll be guided to reflect on what you love most, where your life feels aligned—or out of alignment—and how God's love might invite you to reorder your heart. Find a quiet space, take a deep breath, and let yourself settle into this sacred moment. Let's begin. https://youtu.be/zi2d5IPCCM0 Check out our blog - Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love. https://thethrivecenter.org/fourth-sunday-of-advent-love/ https://depree.org/de-pree-journal/love-that-comes-near/ To receive all four meditations, visit https://thethrivecenter.org/ and sign up for our newsletter https://mailchi.mp/fuller.edu/sm-practices-for-spiritual-health-part2. We at the Thrive Center wish you a season filled with the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ. About the Thrive Center Learn more at thethrivecenter.org. Follow us on Instagram @thrivecenter Follow us on X @thrivecenter Follow us on LinkedIn @thethrivecenter About Dr. Pam King Dr. Pam King is Executive Director the Thrive Center and is Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. Follow her @drpamking. About With & For Host: Pam King Senior Director and Producer: Jill Westbrook Operations Manager: Lauren Kim Social Media Graphic Designer: Wren Juergensen Special thanks to the team at Fuller Studio and the Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy.
We wrap up our Sunday morning Advent season with thoughts on the love inherent in God's character, shown to His people throughout history, and available for us to share with others today.
Because Christ has come, we should love him.In the fourth and final week of Advent, we look at Isaiah 11:1-10 and how it encourages us, in light of the coming of Jesus, to be a people who deeply love him.
Today we step into Week 4 of Advent—Love. Clay teaches on God's unending love–promised by the prophets, fulfilled in Jesus, and still pursuing us today.Support the show
Pastor Boyd Bettis preaches on the Advent of Love using Matthew 1:18-23.
Listen to our final message of advent as Pastor Jeff Drott shares a powerful message on Love.
The post Advent: Love appeared first on Redemption's Hill Church.
We hope you enjoy and benefit from Grace Point Church's messages. Thank you for taking time to listen!
In Week 4 of Advent, we light the Angel's Candle and focus on the theme of love, the kind that moves toward the mess, not away from it. From the manger to the cross, God demonstrates a love that sacrifices, rescues, and redeems. The good news of Advent is this: God is with us, God is for us, and nothing can separate us from His love.
Advent Love 2025 Mark 12:26-27 ESV 26 And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? 27 He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite wrong." Mark 12:28-31 ESV 28 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, "Which commandment is the most important of all?" 29 Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Galatians 5:22-23 ESV 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. John 13:34-35 ESV 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 8:48b ESV "Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?" Luke 6:27-28, 32, 35-36 ESV 27 "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 32 "If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them… 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. John 3:16 ESV 16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 1 John 4:8 ESV 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love James 2:14-17 ESV 14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Galatians 5:6 ESV 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. 1 John 3:16-18 ESV 16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. "Agape love is the greatest virtue of the Christian life. Yet that type of love was rare in pagan Greek literature. That's because the traits agape portrays—unselfishness, self-giving, willful devotion, concern for the welfare of others—were mostly disdained in ancient Greek culture as signs of weakness. However, the New Testament declares agape to be the character trait around which all others revolve. (MacArthur, J. The Power of Integrity : Building a Life Without Compromise, page 133. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books) 1 Corinthians 13:1-7, 13 NIV If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
In this message from our Advent series In the Waiting, we walk through Luke 1:26–38 and step into Mary’s story, a story filled with uncertainty, fear, and a future that looked nothing like what she expected. From an unexpected pregnancy to unanswered questions, Mary’s experience mirrors so many of the moments we face when plans fall apart and clarity feels far away. This teaching explores how God often does His deepest work in seasons of uncertainty. When life feels unstable, confusing, or delayed, God is not absent. He is present, forming us patiently and purposefully. While we often want instant answers or immediate change, God works slowly and lovingly, shaping our hearts over time. You will hear practical encouragement on how to respond when life feels out of control, including the call to be patient, trust God’s promises, and live with open hands and a surrendered heart. Through Mary’s response to God’s word, we are reminded that faith is not about having all the answers, but about trusting the One who holds them.
In studying Scripture, we learn that the world defines love differently from how the Bible does. Today, we look at Matthew 22:34-40 and the Great Commandment.
Jesus loves us enough to enter into our world and to share this life with us.Luke 1:46-55Reverend Dr. Matthew LakeDecember 21, 2025 (Children's Christmas Service)