Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God; for God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the expiation for our sins. 1 Jn 4: 7-10

Reflection:

God’s love for us is everlasting. That means that God’s love for us existed before we were born and will exist after we have died. It is an eternal love in which we are embraced. Living a spiritual life calls us to claim that eternal love for ourselves so that we can live our temporal loves – for parents, brothers, sisters, teachers, friends, spouses, and all people who become part of our lives – as reflections or refractions of God’s eternal love. No fathers or mothers can love their children perfectly. No husbands or wives can love each other with unlimited love. There is no human love that is not broken somewhere. – Henri Nouwen

What person/Christmas memory can you call to mind that is an experience of Love?

When our broken love is the only love we can have, we are easily thrown into despair, but when we can live our broken love as a partial reflection of God’s perfect, unconditional love, we can forgive one another our limitations and enjoy together the love we have to offer.

How can we share the gift of love with others this Christmas?
How can you open your hearts to experience the broken love of those around us as a refraction of God's unfailing love for us?

Prayer:
God, You are love itself! As we kindle this final Advent candle, May You grant us the grace of an open heart; A heart that is willing to receive and give your love each day. Amen