Journey of the Heart / Jennifer Burger

Welcome the great love of the Christ Child at Christmas

One of my favorite Scripture passages is John 3:16—“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”

Although typically not a reading we come across in Advent, it is a truth etched on my own heart as a result of a turning point in my life early in my adult years, and I return to it often.

Many know this passage by heart, yet how often do we really take it to heart? Let us take this opportunity to reflect on this passage through the lens of this Advent season.

For God so loved the world…

God is love. He created the world out of love just as he created each of us out of love. What does God’s love look/feel like at this time of year?

It is in welcoming our children back home with a big hug or wrapping up in a blanket nestled in a cozy chair that I feel God’s loving embrace and comfort. …

It is in the good that we do for others and see in others through our parish giving trees, food pantries that provide for those in need—or even a simple spreading of good cheer as we go about our day. …

God’s love is generous and is in full display this time of the year: let us keep our eyes, ears and hearts open to receive and share his love as often as we can!

… that he gave his only Son…

God’s love gives life … and came to life through the birth of Christ—the moment when his love came down to Bethlehem—God’s gift of his Son for us!

In contemplating the coming of Jesus’ birth, I cannot help but contemplate his life—who is Jesus to me? The readings throughout Advent, especially from the prophets, give us a beautiful vision of the hope, peace, joy and love of our Savior and how he enters our life. How are we welcoming Christ into our life and how are we nurturing this relationship during Advent?

… so that everyone who believes in him…

What does it mean to believe? Is it faith? Is it trust? What does this look like?

As I reflect on the blessings of this past year, so much has come from prayer: the prayers that have been prayed for us and that we have prayed for others. I am grateful for the gift of prayer that unites us to Jesus and unites us with each other. Our shared prayer not only gives witness to our faith and trust in him but to the way of love that Christ brings to the world.

… might not perish…

It is easy to get caught up in the “things of this season”—decorations, planning for the perfect Christmas, shopping for the perfect gifts. These do not last; they eventually perish.

What lasts or remains? It is essence—the essence of anything is that which does not change.

There may be some elements of our Christmas this year that are different or missing—including loved ones—yet we can invite and embrace the Holy Spirit shared as God’s love in the infant Christ and in our loved ones into our homes.

Let these be the essence of your Christmas, and may these be held close to you throughout the new year.

… but might have eternal life.

For this we rejoice! It is the joy of anticipation of the coming of Christ—the love of God made humble in the birth and life of Christ, selfless in his death on the cross and glorious in his resurrection and return. Our eternal salvation is made secure in him!

May we welcome this great love in the manger of our hearts this Christmas and rejoice always!
 

(Jennifer Burger is program manager at Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House in Indianapolis and a member of St. Simon the Apostle Parish in Indianapolis. She is also a spiritual director.) †