As we journey through the Advent season, reflecting on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, this week we focus on love, as beautifully illustrated in Luke 2:22-35. This passage introduces us to Simeon, a devout man who eagerly awaited the consolation of Israel. His encounter with the infant Jesus in the temple reveals profound truths about God’s love, not just for Israel, but for all nations.

Simeon’s Revelation: A Love for All Nations

Simeon, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, the salvation prepared in the sight of all nations. This revelation challenges the Jewish expectation of a Messiah who would deliver them from oppression. Instead, Simeon sees a Savior for all people, including those who have oppressed Israel. This universal love is a radical concept, especially for a people who have endured so much suffering.

Luke’s Unique Perspective

It’s fascinating that Luke, a Gentile convert to Judaism, is the only Gospel writer to include this story. As a physician, Luke was likely familiar with the Asclepian temples, centers of healing in the Greco-Roman world. His background as a Gentile and a healer gives him a unique perspective on the inclusivity of God’s love. Luke’s writings emphasize that Jesus’ message is for all people, transcending cultural and religious boundaries.

Understanding Love in Scripture

The Bible uses different words to describe love, each with its own depth and nuance. In Hebrew, “ahava” signifies deep affection, while “hesed” denotes loyal love. In Greek, “agape” represents selfless, sacrificial love. These concepts of love are not based on merit but are expressions of God’s character. As recipients of God’s love, we are called to reflect this love in our relationships with others.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son: A Father’s Love

Luke 15 offers a poignant illustration of God’s love through the parable of the prodigal son. The younger son’s request for his inheritance is a profound insult, yet the father grants it, demonstrating a love that defies cultural norms. When the son returns, not out of genuine repentance but necessity, the father runs to him, protecting him from the village’s judgment. This act of love is not contingent on the son’s contrition but is an overflow of the father’s character.

The Challenge of Love

Both the younger and older sons in the parable miss the essence of their father’s love. The younger son seeks to manipulate, while the older son views his relationship with the father as duty-bound. This challenges us to examine our own relationship with God. Do we see God as a means to an end, or do we embrace Him as the ultimate treasure?

Living Out God’s Love

As we navigate the Christmas season, let us be conduits of God’s love, not absorbing the tension and angst around us but reflecting the love we have received. May we embrace the “ahava,” “hesed,” and “agape” of God, allowing it to transform our hearts and our interactions with others.

In this season of love, let us stop running from God’s love and instead, rest in His embrace. As we worship and reflect, may we be reminded of the depth of God’s love for us and be inspired to share that love with the world.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your boundless love that reaches beyond our understanding. Help us to embrace Your love fully and reflect it in our lives. May we be transformed by Your “ahava,” “hesed,” and “agape,” and may we share this love with those around us. Amen.