Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:8-12 (read)
The word "love" is probably the most overused word in the English language. A housewife and mother prepares a new recipe and tells her family that she knows they are going to "love" how it tastes. A new song is released and people encourage their friends to listen to it and say, "You'll 'love' it." We may say after moving into a new house that we "love" our new home. "You'll 'love' that movie because I saw it last weekend" may be our comment to a friend.
On a deeper level, we say we love our spouse. Our eyes sparkle when we talk about our grandchildren and say we love them. We comment we love our church and church family.
There is yet a deeper level of love when we think about the love God shows toward us. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
It was promised in the Old Testament a Savior would be born. God knew we would need a Savior and, since it was not a spur of the moment decision on his part, it was prophesied a baby would be born of a virgin in the little town of Bethlehem in a manger and his name would be Jesus. The scripture says, "The word became flesh and dwelt among us." Jesus did not stay a babe in the manger, but grew to be a man and was crucified in our place.
He stretched out his arms to say, "I love you this much." He did not stay on the cross or in the grave, but rose victoriously on the third day. This was the greatest demonstration of love, and one for which I will be eternally grateful. Remember, love came down at Christmas.
Marlin Brown is interim director of missions for Harmony Baptist Association.
This 2011 Advent devotion originally appeared in the November 17 issue of Word&Way.