Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of year, right? Gatherings, traditions, food, family, fun. But if we’re honest, sometimes this season brings stress, loneliness, or heartache. Maybe we’re missing someone we’ve lost. Maybe the expectations of family don’t match reality. Maybe we just feel empty.
As we continue through the Advent season, we’re reminded of the One who brings us hope, peace, joy, and love. Today we focus on love — and not just any love, but the kind of love that God demonstrated when He sent Jesus into the world.
But here’s the question: How did Jesus actually show love to people? Not in some abstract, theoretical way — but practically, intentionally, in everyday moments. I think we find a clear answer in looking at how Jesus lived His life.
Love Through His Priorities (Matthew 19:13–15)
Matthew 19 gives us a window into Jesus’ heart. Picture the scene: Jesus has been teaching all day. He’s exhausted, mentally drained. His schedule is packed. People are vying for His attention.
And then children are brought to Him.
In that culture, children weren’t exactly VIPs. They had no status, no influence, no power to advance anyone’s reputation or ministry. The disciples — thinking practically, thinking strategically — tried to turn them away. After all, the Messiah has work to do. He needs to build His following. He needs to gain political and religious support.
But Jesus saw things differently.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
— Matthew 19:14
He stopped. He laid His hands on them. He blessed them. Jesus had different priorities. He saw value where the world sees none. He made space for the ones who couldn’t give anything back.
Think about your own life right now. When someone asks, “What have you been up to?” does your answer sound like a competition? Busy with work. Busy with kids. Busy with parties. Busy building my career, my reputation, my circle of influence.
We do this in the church too, don’t we? We calculate relationships by what they can do for us. If I get noticed by that influential person, maybe I’ll get ahead. I don’t have time for people who don’t contribute.
Jesus says: Let them come. Make space. See the ones I see.
Love Through His Heart (Matthew 23)
Then we turn to Matthew 23 — one of the most striking chapters in all of Scripture. Jesus is in the final days before His crucifixion. He’s been challenged by religious leaders. They’ve tried to trap Him with questions. They’ve rejected Him at every turn.
And Jesus lets them have it. He calls them hypocrites. Blind guides. A brood of vipers. Whitewashed tombs — beautiful on the outside, full of death on the inside.
You can almost feel the righteous anger.
But then — right in the middle of this tirade — listen to what Jesus says in verse 37:
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing!”
— Matthew 23:37
He weeps. He hurts. He longs to shelter them, protect them, rescue them — even the ones who are actively leading others astray. Even the ones who will kill Him.
This is extraordinary love. Not soft — it speaks hard truth. Not passive — it rebukes sin and error. But it is deeply compassionate at the same time. Jesus holds together truth-telling and tenderness. He doesn’t choose one or the other.
Love in Action: An Intentional Choice
Here’s what stands out about Jesus’ love: it was intentional. He didn’t love people accidentally or incidentally. He deliberately made space for them. He deliberately entered into their pain. He deliberately laid down His life.
So how can we have this kind of love in our lives?
It starts with what is shaping and feeding your heart. Jesus was shaped by God’s Word — He didn’t consult the polls or chase popularity. He sought the Father’s glory in every moment. He had an intimate connection with God through prayer. He found His purpose there.
If we want to love like Jesus, we need to be connected to the Source. We need to be nourished by the Word. We need to be in prayer. Otherwise, we’ll love from our own flesh — which runs out, which burns up, which is never enough.
And then, practically: who do you need to make space for? Who is in your path right now that you’re too busy to see? The neighbor who’s grieving. The coworker who’s questioning. The person in this church family who’s battling illness or loss or doubt.
They may not add to your reputation. They may not help you get ahead. But Jesus died for them too.
So What?
This Advent season, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus — God With Us — let’s remember that He came to demonstrate love in its purest form. Not love that asks what’s in it for me? but love that asks who do You want me to love, and how?
Let’s be a church that reflects that kind of love. Let’s slow down enough to see the people around us. Let’s speak truth with compassion. Let’s hold the tension of grace and conviction the way Jesus did.
And above all, let’s draw near to God — because we cannot pour out love that we haven’t first received.
Scripture References
- Matthew 19:13–15 — Jesus and the Children
- Matthew 23 — Jesus Rebukes the Religious Leaders
- Deuteronomy 10:17–19 — Love the Stranger
- John 13:34–35 — A New Commandment
- 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 — Eternal Comfort and Good Hope Through Grace