A Candle of LOVE, A Candle of Justice

“A candle is burning, a candle of LOVE,

A candle to point us to heaven above

A baby for Christmas, a wonderful birth

For Jesus is bringing God's love to our earth.”

~words by Sandra Dean

The theme of Advent IV is love. Not the soppy, sentimental love we see around Valentines Day but the Greek word agape that we translate as love and which means brotherly[sic] love, the love of God for humanity and of humanity for God.

“But I want to tell you this evening that it is not enough for us to talk about love, love is one of the pivotal points of the Christian face, faith. There is another side called justice. And justice is really love in calculation. Justice is love correcting that which revolts agains love.” ~Martin Luther King Jr.

How do we show this kind of love in our lives, this love that wills the good of another, that wills justice for everyone? One thing I know is that it isn't that love we feel when we see a kitten or puppy or even a human baby. It isn't the warm glow of romantic love, nor is it something we 'love' to do. In fact it is just the opposite. It always demands something of us. I have experienced this kind of love when someone has done something for me at a cost to themselves, without expecting any thanks [like clearing away the snow from the lane way]. Or it can be the medical aid workers going to West Africa to treat the Ebola victims at the risk of their own lives. Both of these are love in action. Whatever it is, it involves us making an effort to bring love/justice to another person that costs us something; be it time, energy, or money.

"To say that I am made in the image of God is to say that love is the reason for my existence, for God is love. Love is my true identity. Selflessness is my true self. Love is my true character. Love is my name.” ― Thomas Merton

If, as Thomas Merton says, 'love is the reason for my existence', then it should go without saying that I will not do or support any action that harms another human being whatever the provocation. But what about the time I refuse to pick up the phone because I don't want to deal with the person who's name I see on call display? Or when I speak sharply to the waitress who continues to muddle up my order in a restaurant? Or when I ignore the outstretched hand of a street person? Is that love?

Love comes in many different guises and on many different levels. I am reminded once again of an onion, where you peel off one layer only to find another layer underneath. I think the message in that image is that YOU have to peel off the layer, no one else can do to for you. Love comes through trial and error, through learning, through effort. It does not appear full-blown.

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne: steadfast love and faithfulness go before you” Psalm 89:14

How have you expressed love and justice in your life this Advent Season?

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