Welcome back to A Word from the Vine. I’m Pastor Loren Christensen, and it’s been such a blessing to walk through this Advent series, God’s Love Made Visible, with you.
We’ve talked about the humility of Christ—how He stepped down from heaven. We’ve talked about His name—the name that saves. And we’ve talked about the transforming power of His love.
Now, as we wrap up this series, I want us to focus on what comes next.
Because Christmas isn’t just something we celebrate—it’s something we’re called to live out.
And the best way we do that?
Love.
Let’s hear these words from Jesus in John 13:34–35.
“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. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Let’s pause for a moment and let those words sink in.
“Just as I have loved you.”
That’s not a small task, is it?
Because the way Jesus loves us isn’t casual. It’s not convenient. It’s costly.
Think about it.
He didn’t just love us when it was easy—He loved us when it was hard.
He didn’t just love us with words—He loved us with action.
He didn’t just love us in life—He loved us in death.
And now He turns to us and says, “Do the same.”
You see, the world isn’t going to recognize us as Christians because we go to church on Sundays or because we know a lot of Bible verses—though those things are important.
Jesus said the world will recognize us by our love.
By how we treat people.
The difficult coworker.
The estranged family member.
The stranger we pass on the street.
1 John 3:18 says:
“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
That’s how we show the world who Jesus is.
Not by winning arguments. Not by having all the answers.
But by living lives so full of love that people can’t help but see Him in us.
So, as we approach Christmas, let me challenge you—how can you live out the love of Christ this season?
Maybe it’s through forgiveness. Is there someone you need to make peace with? Someone you’ve been holding a grudge against?
Jesus didn’t wait for us to deserve forgiveness. He gave it freely. And He calls us to do the same.
Maybe it’s through generosity. Is there someone who could use your help—someone who’s struggling to make ends meet or just needs to know they’re not alone?
1 John 3:17 says:
“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?”
Maybe it’s through sharing the gospel.Who in your life needs to hear the good news of Jesus? Don’t be afraid to share it.
Romans 10:15 reminds us:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good
Friends, this is what Christmas is all about.
God’s love made visible.
And now, it’s our turn.
To love boldly.
To forgive freely.
To give generously.
And to point people to Jesus every chance we get.
Not just this season—but every day of our lives.
Because Christmas doesn’t end on December 25th.
Christmas is the beginning of a love that lasts forever.
Let’s pray.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of Your Son—our Savior, our Redeemer, our Friend.
Help us to not just celebrate Your love, but to live it. To be lights in a dark world, reflections of Your grace and truth.
Fill us with courage to forgive, with compassion to give, and with boldness to share the good news of Jesus.
May we be known by our love—Your love—this season and always.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you for spending this time with me today on A Word from the Vine.
I hope this series has encouraged you and reminded you of just how deep and wide God’s love really is.
If you missed any episodes, I encourage you to go back and listen. And as we celebrate Christmas this week, let’s make sure the love of Christ isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we live out.
Merry Christmas, friends.
And may the love of God go with you always.
God bless.
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