Discover the Radical Love of God This Christmas

Christmas is a time of joy, reflection, and celebration. But beyond the gifts, decorations, and festivities, it’s a moment to pause and embrace the profound love that God has for each of us. As we conclude our Advent series, "Unto Us," Pastor Jeremy offers a heartfelt message about the transformative power of love—the love that was born unto us through Jesus Christ. Let’s journey together into the true meaning of love this Christmas season.

The Light of Love: A Christmas Tradition

At Pioneer Church, we’ve been lighting Advent candles for several weeks, each representing hope, peace, joy, and love. This week, as we light the final candle, representing Love—with the white one representing Christ—it reminds us of an incredible truth: Jesus is the light of the world, and His love illuminates every corner of our lives. Pastor Jeremy shared, "It's because of your light, there's any light in this world." This tradition isn’t just symbolic; it’s a call to remember the love that Jesus brings to us continuously—not only during Christmas but every day.

Unto Us: God's Love in Action

The Advent series draws inspiration from Isaiah 9:6–7, which declares, "Unto us a child is born, a son is given... and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This prophecy reminds us that God's love was given to us through Jesus, who left the holiness of heaven to walk among humanity.

Pastor Jeremy beautifully expressed, "It was love that had Jesus uncraft Himself from all of heaven and come as a man to walk among us." This radical act of love wasn’t born out of obligation but out of God’s desire to restore our relationship with Him. Through Jesus, we see the perfect love that seeks to bring us closer to the Creator.

What Does Love Truly Mean?

In today’s world, love is often misunderstood or misrepresented. But the Bible offers a clear and unwavering definition: "God is love." As Pastor Jeremy explained, "Love is not something God has to muster up or decide on. God is love, and everything He does flows from that motivation." 

God’s love is radical—it doesn’t demand anything in return. It’s the love that sent Jesus to sacrifice His life for us, even when humanity rejected Him. It’s the love that offers us free will and the choice to enter into a relationship with Him. And it’s the love that pursues us, even when we feel unworthy. God’s love is unchanging, infinite, and transformative.

How Do We Reflect God’s Love?

The true mark of a believer is how they love others. First John 4:7–12 reminds us that "If we love one another, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us." In a world full of fear, hate, and injustice, Christians are called to be the light—to love people where they are, just as God loves us.

Jesus summarized this beautifully in Mark 12:30–31: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself." At Pioneer Church, we believe spiritual formation is not just about becoming more like Jesus but doing so for the sake of others. This holiday season, let love guide your actions. Think of someone in your life who may feel unlovable—reach out to them, show kindness, and remind them that they are loved.

The Gift of Emmanuel: God With Us

The Christmas story is a testament to God's relentless pursuit of humanity. Jesus, Emmanuel, meaning "God with us," came not only to be for us but to be among us. "He didn’t just love us from afar; He loved us right next to us." Through His death and resurrection, He made a way for His love to dwell in us through the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Jeremy shared a powerful visual: lighting the Advent candles, where one flame spreads to others, illuminating the room. Likewise, Jesus' love within us lights up the lives of those around us. "The light of the believer shines brightest when we love God and love our neighbors." This Christmas, let the light of Christ’s love shine through you.

Carry Love Into the New Year

The Advent season may be coming to an end, but God’s love has no expiration date. This Christmas, let's not just receive love but carry it into our homes, workplaces, neighborhoods, and cities. As Pastor Jeremy encouraged, "This little light of mine, you gotta let it shine." Let Christ’s love illuminate your heart and transform the lives of those around you.

Who in your life needs to experience love this holiday season? Who can you reach out to and remind them that they are cherished, valued, and seen? As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we also celebrate the love He brings to us every day. Unto us, a child is born. Unto us, a son is given. And unto us, love is lit up in our hearts." Merry Christmas from all of us at Pioneer Church!

If you’d like to continue exploring God’s word and growing in His love, join us for our weekly livestream every Sunday at 11:00 am CDT. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on social media for more uplifting messages and reflections. Together, let’s create a brighter world rooted in faith and love.

What does love mean to you, and how will you reflect God’s love this Christmas? Share your thoughts in the comments below!