The fourth candle in the season of Advent represents Love. I am pausing in this busy season to reflect on the love that Mary must have felt toward her precious baby boy. The love, respect, and protection Joseph felt toward Mary. God’s love for us in sending that baby to walk the earth for us. And finally, the love of Jesus as our Savior. What a gentle, humble love He brought and still brings today.

During Jesus’ ministry, he taught us how to love God and our neighbors.  Matthew 22: 37-39 says, “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Our churches and schools are neighbors with one another, and we seek to build relationships that are based on the love of Jesus. Our coordinators and volunteers are so gifted in this area as you have such a gentle posture of love toward the families in MNPS. You truly are helping them to feel seen and cared for in so many ways.

As we head into the last few days of Advent, we recognize that Jesus is the greatest example of Love. We long to be more like Him, to love Him more completely, and to extend that love to our neighbors all around our city.

Written by Jenny Runyon United4Hope Program Manager