What Is Love?

What is love? Advent answers with a child in a manger. God with us. The Lord of all the universe humbled Himself and was born of a virgin, laid in a manger. Not to impress us, but to give Himself for us. John says, "God is love," and we see it in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Jesus shows that love is not a feeling. Love is willing and working for the true good of another. He touches the untouchable. He eats with people others avoid. He tells the truth that heals even when it hurts. His love comes near in Bethlehem, and it lays down life at Calvary. Advent points to both. God with us and God for us. Jesus came as the Incarnation of love to will and to work for our good, the good of all humanity.

We spend a lot of energy trying to find love in the glow of our phones, in the attention of one person, in the next purchase, in one more meal. Created things are good, but they cannot carry the weight of our hearts. We often look for love in the wrong places. We chase what fulfills our desires, but love is not about fulfilling desire. Love seeks what is right and good for those around us. Advent redirects our eyes from the gifts to the Giver.

A few weeks ago, a young woman stepped into our little chapel at West Edmonton Mall and asked if she could have a bible. A volunteer and I listened as she shared her story. She told us she has started to follow Jesus. She spoke of overcoming fear and dark spiritual oppression. She also understands there is a cost to following Jesus, a cost she has already begun to pay with her family and a cost she will continue to bear as His disciple. Still, she believes it is worth it if her mom can come to know Jesus. The part that stayed with me was not the fear she felt or the strange things she described, but her new desire. She said, "I was my mom to know Jesus." There is no greater love than sharing the good news of Jesus Christ our Lord. That is what love does. It seeks the true good of another, even when it costs comfort, time, or understanding.

John of Damascus, an orthodox monk in the 8th century said, "Love is the chief of virtues." The Apostle Paul said, "The greatest of these is love." Jesus said, "As I have loved you, so you must love one another." Advent gives us the pattern. Receive and then reflect. Be love by God and then reflect the love of God onto others.

Here is a simple Advent practice. Empty your hands in the morning and pray, "Lord Jesus, show me one person to love today." Watch for the nudge. It might look like listening without rushing. It might look like telling the truth with compassion. It might look like inviting someone to the table, or to church, or to read Luke 1 and Luke 2 with you. Do one quiet act of costly love, and tell no one but God.

Advent reflections shared by Braden Brodeur, Mission Canada Urban Worker at West Edmonton Mall.