Season of Advent: Love, Day 2

Season of Advent:

Love, Day 2

Reading:

“(Love) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”[1]

Reflection:

The opposite of love is not hate. The opposite of love is apathy – not caring, not seeing another, acting as if the other does not exist or that I have no responsibility for them. The presence of homeless and other marginalized persons in our midst is a manifestation of our lack of commitment to love, in the sense of caring for and about others, both as individuals and as a society. I remember being told that the most longed for word any of us wishes to hear from another is our name. Even when expressed in anger, frustration, or hatred, hearing my name spoken by another is an affirmation of my being, that someone recognizes me. Being ignored is a horrible punishment.

While romantic and emotional expressions of love are important, they are not necessarily love’s highest expressions. Nor are they what Jesus modeled for us to offer to others. The love Jesus modeled is active. Jesus did not just feel bad for the sick; Jesus healed the sick. He did not just feel sad for the hungry; he fed the hungry. He did not just weep for the social outcasts; he included the outcasts and affirmed their presence by seeing and including them. That is the nature of the love-theme of Advent, and that is the type of love to which we are called.

We do not have to like or agree with those we love, but we must acknowledge them and offer assistance as we are able in their times of need.

Closing Meditation:

Recall a time you helped another with no expectation of receiving anything in return, even a “Thank you”. Recall a time you received something from another with no expectation of a return. What was different about those experiences?

Journal the thoughts and feelings that arise.

This daily series, Contemplative Christmas, is replacing my weekly Life Notes until January 6, 2026, when my weekly blog will resume. The thoughts expressed here are mine. To engage with me: ghildenbrand@outlook.com.

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[1] 1 Corinthians 13:7