Monday, December 22, 2025
1 John 4:9–10
Love That Came Anyway
As the year draws to a close, many of us look back. We remember moments of faithfulness and moments we wish we could redo. There were days we showed up fully and days we fell short. Some choices were life-giving; others shaped by fear, exhaustion, or uncertainty.
Scripture reminds us that God knows all of this—and still chose to send Jesus into the world.
God did not wait for humanity to get it right. God did not wait for us to be faithful, generous, or strong enough. Out of love, Christ was sent to help, heal, guide, and save us, right in the middle of our unfinished stories.
Advent invites us to hold our whole year before God: the good and the hard, the faithful and the messy. Love does not arrive as a reward. It comes as a gift. Jesus enters the world not because we are worthy but because God is loving.
As Christmas draws closer, receive this truth again: whatever this year has held for you, God has not given up. Love has come anyway.
Prayer:
God of mercy and love, receive all that this year has been. Thank you for sending Christ to meet us in our need, to guide us toward healing and hope. Amen.
a journey in existence 