Fourth Sunday of Advent - Love

 The Advent theme for today is LOVEI’ve never heard anyone argue whether that theme is appropriate- the words of the previous themes–hope, peace, and joy–are all found in the biblical text• but love doesn’t appear in the details of the Christmas story◦ it feels right that love should be another theme, but is it right?• does love add a sentimental tone that wasn’t there?◦ our culture is certainly attached to an “ideal” Christmas◦ a “Hallmark special” with smooth edges and a soft glow- the initial reaction to the early announcements of Christ’s birth,• given to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, generated confusion and fear◦ but love isn’t right there on the surface of the page• love only comes in after much theological reflection◦ the gospels tell the story, theology identifies its meaning--which is:“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (Jn. 3:167-17)