LOVE
The four Advent candles are a beautiful Christmas tradition. Each one has a special meaning reminding us to prepare our hearts in the weeks leading up to Christ's birth. When we focus on God and keep our minds on Him this holiday season, we will be able to rest in the perfect peace of the world.
Let's use the five candles of Advent to guide and prepare your hearts for the season in celebration of Jesus’ birth. Join us each week for a brief devotional time with a quick word, song, scripture writing and prayer being mindful of what is happening in the world today.
The Bethlehem Candle - Love
This week's candle is the Love candle.
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The true heartbeat of this season comes from a vessel of love wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. His love and gift of grace are what make this season truly meaningful.
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His love didn't wait for us to earn His love. ​He didn't withhold His love when someone hurt Him or turned His back on Him. ​That deep sacrificial love is beyond comprehension.
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​It’s easy to love those who love us, but the real challenge lies in loving those who are harder to love.
He gave us clean hands, offering grace when we least deserved it.
Because His love overflows in us, we respond by pouring out His love at work, at school, in our neighborhoods, and everywhere our feet travel. With today's hostilities love can seem far away, but we love because He first loved us.​
CHORUS​​
So give us clean hands and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh give us clean hands and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Scripture Writing and Prayer
Directions:
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Find the "Love" page in the downloaded document​ (*see note below)
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Write the words to I John 4:19 in the star.
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Fill in the letters of "LOVE" with what it means to reflect Jesus' love (see below)
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Throughout the week, jot down headlines or stories of hostilities or hatred in the empty spaces.
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Pray while coloring the space and covering them in love, reflecting on Jesus' love
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Reflecting Jesus Love:
Love Unconditionally
Forgive Freely
Show Compassion
Offer Kindness
Nurture Relationships
Focus on Others
Be Mindful
*About the downloads
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You only have to download the file once. This download includes the all of the images needed for each week.
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The coloring/doodling is a tool to help you focus as you pray.