Advent invites us to open our hearts to the joy and love revealed in the arrival of Jesus. Joy is not always loud or exuberant. Often it is a quiet strength, a steady gladness rooted in the nearness of Christ. Love is not simply a warm feeling but the very character of God poured into our lives through Jesus. As we move deeper into this season, we remember that the birth of Jesus is good news of great joy and the fullest expression of God’s love toward us.

Last year, I wrote a children’s book titled “Cocoa Hugs and Coffee Mugs” about a little girl discovering that she could show love and kindness to others even when they did not like the same things she did. In a world so easily divided over differences, this simple story created meaningful conversations about empathy, kindness, and connection. Although the book contains no overt Christian language, its heartbeat echoes the truth of 1 John 4:19 that “we love because He first loved us.“

God is love, and it is His love poured out on us through Jesus that teaches us how to love others. The more we draw close to Him and recognize the depth of His love for us, the more we learn to rest in that love. From that place of rest, we begin to overflow His love with greater gentleness, compassion, and grace.

Joy and love weave together in the heart of a believer. Joy comes from knowing that God has not remained distant but has entered our world in Jesus. Love flows from realizing that His coming was not out of obligation but out of deep affection for us. Advent reminds us that Jesus is both the source of our joy and the perfect example of love.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, we are reminded of the cost and beauty of His love. The God of the universe stepped down from heaven and took on flesh so that we could be reconciled to our Heavenly Father. This love fills us with peace and joy and empowers us to love others not out of our own strength but from the abundance of His.

As we celebrate Christmas, reflecting on joy and love this week, we remember that Jesus came to bring joy to the world and to reveal the extravagant love of the Father. These are not seasonal emotions, but daily realities offered to us through His presence. It is this love, poured into us as we daily invite Jesus into our story, that allows us to rest in His love for us – and from that place, truly love others. What an amazing gift we have been given.

Truth to Hold Onto

Luke 2:10
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”

John 15:9-11
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

1 John 4:9-10
“This is how God showed his love among us. He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

Soul Care Practice: Gratitude Pause

Take time to list three ways you have experienced the love of Jesus this year. Invite the Holy Spirit to open a heart of gratitude within you for these moments and journal your response in thanksgiving towards Him. 

Reflect on the Following

• Where have you sensed the love of Jesus drawing near to you this Christmas week?
• In what ways has His joy strengthened or steadied your heart in this season?
• How might Jesus be inviting you to overflow His love to someone in your life this week?

Pray With Me

Jesus, as I enter this Christmas week, thank You for coming near with a love that is deep, steady, and true. As I move through this week, open my heart to the joy You bring and help me rest in the fullness of Your love. Teach me to remain in Your presence so that Your joy strengthens me and Your love shapes the way I see and care for others. Let Your kindness flow through my words, my choices, and my relationships. Fill me with a joy that is rooted in You alone and a love that reflects Your heart to the world around me. I ask all this in Your precious name, Amen.