Luke 1-2

Advent invites us to slow down and behold the depth of God’s love—a love not spoken from a distance, but demonstrated through presence. This week, we reflected on Advent Love through the words of Mary in Luke 1 and the birth of Jesus in Luke 2. Mary’s song, known as the Magnificat, is a response of awe and surrender to a God who sees, chooses, and lifts the lowly. Before a child is born, love is already at work—reshaping hearts, rewriting stories, and fulfilling promises.

In the Magnificat, Mary praises a God whose love is personal and powerful. She rejoices not in her own status, but in the mercy of the Lord who looked upon her with favor. God’s love turns the world upside down—bringing down the proud, lifting the humble, filling the hungry, and remaining faithful across generations. Advent love reminds us that God’s care reaches those often overlooked, and His promises are rooted in mercy, not merit.

Luke 2 brings Mary’s song into flesh and bone. The love she praised in faith is revealed in a baby born in a manger. God’s love enters the world quietly and humbly, not through power or prestige, but through vulnerability and nearness. The birth of Jesus shows us that love is not abstract—it is embodied. Emmanuel, God with us, steps into humanity to dwell among us.

The angels’ announcement to the shepherds reinforces this truth: God’s love is good news for all people. The first witnesses are not royalty or religious elites, but ordinary shepherds, reminding us that God’s love is accessible, inclusive, and generous. Love does not wait for us to become worthy—it comes to us where we are.

As we reflect on Advent Love, we are invited to respond as Mary did—with trust, humility, and praise. God’s love still disrupts expectations, still draws near, and still calls us to magnify the Lord with our lives. This Advent, may we receive the love that has come in Christ, and may it shape how we live, serve, and love others.

If this sermon spoke to you and you’re ready to explore it further, this study guide is for you! Inside, you’ll find key Scriptures, reflection questions, and practical applications to help you grow in your faith. Open it up, dig in, and let God’s Word transform your life!