DECEMBER 21ST – FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

CANDLE OF LOVE

“The Lord himself will give you this sign” Isaiah 7:14

“He shall receive a blessing from the Lord that seeks the face of God” Psalm 24

“You who are called to belong to Jesus Christ “Romans 1:6

“He shall be called Emmanuel; God is with us” Mt. 1:24

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The fourth and last candle of Advent is lit today. The candle is called the Angel Candle representing God’s immense love in sending Jesus to save us and the angel’s message of peace on earth and good news of great joy to all men. With all four candles lit, more light ids entering the darkness. We are reminded that Christ is the light of the world.  He illuminates our life, our souls and the world.

Love is rooted in God. It is sacrificial. It is making the choice for the other instead of the self and for the good of the other. Love is being totally present to the other. The readings focus on God’s love and how He is present in our life, and in our world.

Emmanuel means God is with us, and Saint Paul writes to the Romans “We belong to Christ.” Romans 1:6 The Psalmist in the Responsorial Psalm speaks of “blessings for those who seek the face of God.” He is ever present to us if we just pay attention and respond to the call of love. We are to receive His love and love those we encounter.

St. John Paul II, the Great, explains this in this quote, about Advent “Advent invites the believer to spend each and every day, at every moment, in the presence of the One ‘who is and who was, and who is to come’ (Revelations 1:4) whom the future of the world and man belongs.”

It is difficult to describe the love of God; however, when you experience this grace, you know it.  For me, the best way to describe it is like a plush warm blanket I wrap myself in on a cold winter night. It is a sense of rootedness, protection, belonging, and acceptance; a feeling of wholeness, unconditional love, and completion. A state of being that every person longs for. This hunger and longing are universal. Sadly, many do not know it is only God that can truly satisfy us and feed the hungry heart. Padre Pio touched on this in one of his letters, “Be quite sure that God is not found where there is no desire for His love.” We must seek Him; He is always seeking us.

A popular song by Foreigner in the early 1980’s “I Want to Know What Love Is” captures this sense of emptiness, loneliness and searching. It was written by Mick Jones who played keyboards and was a member of Foreigner at the time. His personal life was filled with a series of failed relationships and a recent divorce. Amidst the turmoil and chaos of his life he longed for a love that could last.

The song was released on November 13,1984, purposely in time for the Christmas rush. Ironically, while it was not meant to be a Christmas song, the lyrics and pathos of the song describe the love we all need. This love was given as pure gift in the Incarnation. God became man so we can be more like God. Jesus became the savior of the world and we all need saving. He came to humanity to show us what love is, how to live, and how to have union with Him. This is the love that is true and leads to true joy. To experience this, we must open our hearts, make room for Him, and invite Him into every aspect of our lives.

Here are a few lines of the lyrics to “I Want to Know What Love Is.” As you read the lyrics, or better yet listen to the song, (the vocals by Lou Graham are soulful and heartfelt) — see if it resonates with you.

I wanna know what love is

I want you to show me

I wanna feel what love is

 I know you can show me

I’m going to take a little time

A little time to look around

I’ve got nowhere left to hide

It looks like love has finally found me

Have you found Love this Advent? It is here.  Come to the manger and adore Him. The babe, a gift of pure love is waiting, and shows us what love is so we can be a sign of love and witness to the world this Advent and beyond.