Covenant’s Advent Series-Week 4: LOVE

Created by Dr. Becca Thomas

God Himself came to dwell among us in the person of Jesus Christ. This is more than a familiar story; it is the foundation of our faith and the source of all true love. God did not come merely to offer instructions or blessings. He came to give us Himself. In Christ, light enters darkness, and love takes on flesh.

As a pastor’s kid, I often attended multiple Christmas services, and I especially cherished the closing candlelight service on Christmas Eve. Each person held a flickering candle, and the sanctuary glowed with a gentle, reverent light. Even though we sang the familiar carols year after year, one line from Silent Night always stays with me: “Son of God, love’s pure light.” That phrase captures the heart of Christmas: God entering our world as love incarnate, bringing hope and illumination into the darkness. Just as those candles lit the sanctuary, Christ’s love lights our hearts and calls us to reflect His light into the world.

Christmas lights have long been a source of joy and wonder. My husband and I enjoy driving through neighborhoods, marveling at the creativity, whimsy, and sometimes over-the-top displays people put up. From simple strands on homes to dazzling, intricate music arranged spectacles, these lights transform ordinary spaces and invite us to pause and notice the beauty around us. They remind us that light overcomes darkness, that even a small glow can make a difference. The flicker of a single bulb can change the atmosphere of a room or yard, creating warmth, hope, and delight. In the same way, God’s love transforms our hearts and radiates through our words and actions, touching the lives of those around us. Christmas lights are more than decoration; they are a visible, joyful reminder that Christ’s love breaks through darkness, offering hope, peace, and the promise of new life.

The birth of Jesus Christ is not only a celebration of light breaking into darkness, but also of love breaking into the brokenness of our world. His love transforms despair into hope, fear into courage, and division into reconciliation. C.S. Lewis described four types of love: storge, familial love; philos, deep friendship; eros, romantic love; and agape, selfless, unconditional love. The love we celebrate at Christmas is ultimately agape – God’s love poured into the world through His Son. Scripture reminds us, “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). God’s love is the source and pattern for all human love, shaping our capacity to love others.

St. Augustine once wrote, “Love is the beauty of the soul.” When the transformative power of Christ’s love takes root in our hearts, it impacts our words, actions, and presence. This truth aligns with our school theme for the year, Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” As a Christian school community, we have a unique opportunity to be known not only for academic excellence but also for the love that defines us. My prayer is that our community shines as a place where God is loved wholeheartedly, and others are treated with faithful, selfless care.

Love is not merely a feeling; it is an action. God loved, and so He came. Christ’s birth is the ultimate act of love, putting our need for redemption above Himself. That same love now calls us to live differently, to carry His light into our homes, classrooms, and communities.

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, may the love and light of Christ fill your hearts and homes. May His presence bring joy, peace, and hope to every corner of your life, and may you carry His light into the world around you.

Wishing our entire school community a blessed and joyful Christmas, rejoicing in the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Family Devotional

Read the Scriptures together slowly, and invite each family member—young and old—to share what they hear or notice. After reading, select the discussion questions that best suit your children’s ages. There’s no need to cover everything; simply let the conversation flow naturally. You may also pick one of the simple activities to reinforce the theme of hope. Close your time by praying together and thanking God for sending Jesus, our true Hope.

1 John 4:7-12

Matthew 2:1-12

  • What does it mean that Jesus is called the “Light of the World”? (Help guide them: He shows us God, helps us see what is right, and chases away darkness).
  • What would you give baby Jesus for Christmas if you could?  (Hint: Jesus loves you so much that all He wants for Christmas is you!)
  • Can you show me with your face what love looks like?
  • How can you show God’s love to your friends or family this Christmas?
  • Activity: Make a paper lantern or decorate a small (battery-operated) candle to remind you of Christ’s light. As you work, say, “Jesus is the Light of the World. When we love others, HIs light shines through us.” Encourage children to place their lantern or candle in a visible place during the week as a reminder to love others as Jesus does. 
  • Christmas Light Drive: Gather your family for an evening drive to admire Christmas lights while listening to worship music. Consider stopping by the Big Red Tree at 5500 Montclair Dr. in Colleyville as a special reminder of Christ’s light and love.

  •  The Magi traveled far to worship Jesus, offering their very best. What might it look like for us to offer love that costs us time, comfort, and convenience?
  • How does Jesus’ coming as the “Son of God, love’s pure light” change the way we understand love?
  • Recognizing God’s love for you can change the way you treat yourself and others. How can you show selfless, unconditional love (agape) this week to someone who might be overlooked or treated poorly by others?
  • Christmas Light Drive: Take a night drive together to check out Christmas lights while listening to worship music. Use the time to slow down, talk, or sit quietly and reflect. Be sure to stop by the Big Red Tree at 5500 Montclair Dr. in Colleyville.
  • Love in Action Challenge: Ask teens to silently reflect on 1 John 4:11. Have them think of one person they know who might feel overlooked, and one specific, practical act of love they can do this week for this person. Encourage them to keep it private between them and God. Optional follow-up: Check in later in the week and reflect on how it felt to encourage and love this person.

Father God,

Thank You for loving us so much that You sent Jesus, the Light of the World. Thank You that Your love is not something we have to earn, but something You freely give. Help us to receive Your love with grateful hearts and to reflect it to others. Show us where we can shine Your light—through kindness, humility, and selfless love—especially to those who may feel unseen. May our words and actions point others to You this week.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Dr. Becca Thomas
Dr. Becca Thomas is the Head of School at Covenant Christian Academy and a seasoned Christian educator with more than 18 years of leadership experience. Her tenure at Valor Christian High School—where she helped guide two National Blue-Ribbon awards and ACSI Exemplary Status—reflects her commitment to academic excellence and Christ-centered learning. With a background that includes roles such as Associate Head of School and Academic Dean, Dr. Thomas brings a strategic vision and a heartfelt dedication to serving students, faculty, and families.