Fourth Week of Advent - Love

In this 4th Week of Advent, we reflect on the greatest theme possible : LOVE!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but they shall have eternal life.” - John 3:16

This verse above expressing God’s love is one that is universally known and yet, fundamentally ignored largely because of the prejudice of familiarity. This final week of Advent (Although it constitutes merely a day or two considering Christmas is on Tuesday), let us take a step back and ponder deeper on God’s love, bringing into consideration the following points:

1. The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son

The Love between God the Father and God the Son is so perfect and profound that it generates a third person in the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the Holy Spirit is the Love of God! The Holy Spirit is the reason that Christ’s birth that took place 2000 years ago is still fully alive today. As we celebrate Christmas this year, let us ask the Holy Spirit to overshadow us with His Love. This brings me to my next point.

2. Mother Mary is the spouse of the Holy Spirit

We see in the gospels that Mary was overshadowed by the Spirit of God and she conceived. The Holy Spirit is truly, the spouse of Mary. The perfect union of love between Mary and the Spirit, following her full Yes to God, meant that Christ could be born into this world. There was and is no other creature who is perfectly united to the Holy Spirit other than the Mother of God. Therefore, let us ask the Holy Spirit, living in Mary to pour out His love into our hearts so that Christ can be born in our worlds.

3. Jesus whole earthly life points toward the ultimate act of love

Baby Jesus was born outside of the city which foretells His crucifixion and death which will also take place outside of the city. From the outset, He was to be our Lord and Saviour. Jesus became Man, he became a helpless babe in the arms of St. Joseph and Mother Mary in order to be able to embrace His human nature fully so that He can be the Lord and Master of every moment of our lives because truly, Jesus loves us so unconditionally and unfailingly that He cannot bear spending a moment without you. Let the fact that Jesus loves you as though you were the only one to be loved in the face of this universe, sink in.

After reflecting on Hope, Peace, Joy and now Love, let us wholeheartedly, consciously, prayerfully accept the greatest gift of all; Jesus Christ, who is the fountain of all that we have been anticipating for! Amen!