John 3:16-17 (NRSV)
Read John 3:16-17 on biblegateway.com
Verse 16"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Verse 17"Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Devotion
When someone mentions John 3:16, we might think of a painted sign behind the goal posts or even Jesus being lifted up on the cross, but chances are that we won't think of the Incarnation. Yet that seems to be at the heart of this conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus: God sending the Son, not to condemn the world, but to save it. Love is at the center of God's actions. The purpose is to share eternal life, which for John has less to do with a future life in heaven and more to do with a rich and abundant life in God’s love even now.
When we stop to consider the incredible gift of God's Son, our observance of Advent is a little richer than before. And we are more certain than ever that only God can come and give us the life for which we've been waiting.
Prayer
Almighty God, thank you for sending your Son in love. Fill our hearts with expectation at his coming. Amen.