Advent Season | AROHA – LOVE
Kia ora koutou, and warm greetings, church family!
The fourth Sunday of Advent is all about Aroha – Love, symbolized by the Angel Candle. Of the four candles (Hope, Peace, Joy, Love), this one reminds us of the heart of the Christmas story—God’s incredible love for the world.
In Matthew 1:21, the angel of the Lord told Mary and Joseph that Mary would “give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Jesus’ birth is the very reason for Christmas— He came to save the world.
In John 3:16-17, Jesus explained God’s love to Nicodemus: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
Let’s take time to reflect on God’s love. God is love (1 John 4:8), and He loves everyone, even those who turn away from Him. His love is constant and unchanging—He’s always knocking at our door, inviting us into a relationship with Him.
When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus said: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37- 39). And Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:13 that “the greatest of these is love.”
As believers, this season is not only about celebrating Jesus’ birth but also anticipating His return. It’s a perfect time to share the Good News! Why not invite a friend to join us for our Christmas Candlelight Service on Tuesday, December 24, from 11:00 PM to midnight? The theme is “The Gift That Keeps On Giving.”
If you haven’t yet made your Advent wreath, it’s not too late! Lighting the candles during dinner is a beautiful way to bring your family together and reflect on the meaning of the season. Let’s shine God’s love this Christmas!
I pray the peace of God be with you this Christmas as you celebrate with friends and family. The office will be closed from this Friday to the 14 January.2025.
Felicity and I send our heartfelt blessings to you all,
Enosa
about author
Ordained in 2022 after 20+ years in the education sector as a Teacher, Principal and Education consultant. Reverend Enosa heard God’s call to enter the ministry. Now Senior Minister of St Peter’s Church in Tauranga, he leads a vibrant Church in the heart of the City reaching out to the local community.
