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Love in the flesh

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This sermon wrapped up our 2024 Advent sermon series, Incarnation. Each week, I encouraged the church to look for how God's hope, peace, joy and love show up incarnationally, in the flesh, around them. And to commit to being God's hope, peace, joy and love in the flesh themselves to the people they come to know.

 

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Day 1: Embodying the Hope of Christ

Scripture Reading: Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Reflection:
Reflect on the hope that Christ’s incarnation brings to the world. What are the areas of your life and community where you see disappointment and fear? How can you embody Christ’s hope in these situations?

Questions:

  1. What does hope in the flesh look like in your daily life?
  2. How can you actively spread hope to those around you this week?

Additional Scripture: Matthew 12:21


Day 2: Embodying the Peace of Christ

Scripture Reading: John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Reflection:
In a world of chaos and anxiety, the peace of Christ stands out as different and transformative. Consider the ways you can be a peacemaker in your family, workplace, or community.

Questions:

  1. How do you maintain peace in your heart amidst external turmoil?
  2. What specific actions can you take to bring God’s peace to a chaotic situation you are facing?

Additional Scripture: Philippians 4:7


Day 3: Embodying the Joy of Christ

Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Reflection:
Joy in Christ is not dependent on circumstances but on our relationship with God. Reflect on Mary’s visit to Elizabeth and how the infant John leaped for joy. How can a simple act of kindness or a smile make a difference?

Questions:

  1. What brings you joy in your walk with Christ?
  2. Who can you encourage with a gesture of joy today?

Additional Scripture: Nehemiah 8:10


Day 4: Embodying the Love of Christ

Scripture Reading: 1 John 4:9-10
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

Reflection:
God’s love is everlasting and available to all. Reflect on the simple yet profound love exhibited through Mary’s Magnificat. How can you embody this sacrificial and steadfast love in your own life?

Questions:

  1. In what ways can you show God’s love to those who feel forgotten?
  2. How does understanding God’s love for you shape your interactions with others?

Additional Scripture: Luke 1:46-55


Day 5: Living the Incarnational Ministry

Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:12-14
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Reflection:
As followers of Christ, we are called to an incarnational ministry—to be his hands and feet in the world. Reflect on how you can be a living example of God’s kingdom here on earth.

Questions:

  1. What does it mean to you to have an incarnational ministry?
  2. Identify one practical way you can embody Christ’s teachings this week.

Additional Scripture: John 1:14


Each day, contemplate how you can manifest these Christ-like qualities in your life, and let the love and teachings of Jesus guide your actions and interactions with others.

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