Seeing Love: Embracing Compassion This Advent Season

 

Summary

This Advent season, we are reminded that love transcends mere sentimentality; it is an active choice and a way of perceiving the world. The scriptures today call us to love with open eyes, to notice the needs of others, and to recognize God's presence in unexpected places. Simeon, in Luke's Gospel, exemplifies this as he holds baby Jesus and declares, "My eyes have seen your salvation." His love for God enables him to see beyond the surface, recognizing the Messiah in a vulnerable child. Similarly, Jesus, in Matthew's account, is moved by compassion as he sees the crowds as harassed and helpless, prompting him to act and heal.

In today's world, love manifests in various forms, as seen in figures like Princess Diana, who showed compassion without hesitation. Her actions remind us that love involves stepping out of our comfort zones to embrace those different from us. This Advent, we are called to reflect on how we can embody such love in our lives. It is crucial to foster an environment where differences are embraced, and love is extended to all, regardless of theological or social divides.

The story of Maribel in Disney's "Encanto" further illustrates this point. Despite lacking a special gift, Maribel's love and courage bring her family together, highlighting the importance of seeing people for who they are, not what they lack. This narrative challenges us to look deeper, to heal divisions, and to restore hope in those who feel unseen.

As we journey through Advent, let us reflect on the essence of love, which transcends emotions and empowers us to see the world through God's compassionate eyes. Let us recognize each individual as a cherished creation, deserving of kindness and understanding. This understanding should guide our actions, as we strive to embody Jesus' compassion and Simeon's vision.

Who in your life is yearning for love and understanding? Perhaps it's a colleague, a family member, or a stranger you pass by daily. Let us take inspiration from Simeon and Jesus, opening our eyes to the miraculous ways God's salvation manifests in unexpected corners of our lives. This Advent season, let us proclaim love like Simeon, live love like Jesus, and share love like Maribel in "Encanto," seeing the unseen, healing the broken, and reminding everyone, including ourselves, that we are deeply and unconditionally loved.

Key Takeaways

- Love is an active choice and a way of seeing the world, as demonstrated by Simeon and Jesus, who recognized God's presence in unexpected places and responded with compassion. [00:48]

- True love involves stepping out of our comfort zones to embrace those different from us, as exemplified by figures like Princess Diana, who showed compassion without hesitation. [02:38]

- The story of Maribel in "Encanto" teaches us to see people for who they are, not what they lack, challenging us to heal divisions and restore hope in those who feel unseen. [18:00]

- As we journey through Advent, we are called to reflect on the essence of love, which transcends emotions and empowers us to see the world through God's compassionate eyes. [20:31]

- Let us take inspiration from Simeon and Jesus, opening our eyes to the miraculous ways God's salvation manifests in unexpected corners of our lives, and embodying their compassion in our actions. [21:23]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:48] - Simeon's Vision of Love
[01:29] - Jesus' Compassionate Ministry
[02:38] - Modern Examples of Love
[04:02] - The Importance of Giving
[05:46] - Unity in Diversity
[06:37] - Overcoming Division
[07:31] - Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere
[09:01] - Embracing Growth and Change
[10:43] - Personal Growth and Community
[12:35] - The Power of Community Love
[13:47] - Planting Seeds of Faith
[15:03] - The Role of Love in Church
[17:04] - Lessons from "Encanto"
[18:56] - Embracing Differences with Love
[20:31] - Reflecting on Love and Understanding
[21:23] - Living with the Eyes of Love

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:25-32 (Simeon's encounter with Jesus)
- Matthew 9:35-38 (Jesus' compassion for the crowds)

Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 2:25-32, what does Simeon recognize about Jesus when he holds him in his arms? How does this reflect his love for God? [00:48]
2. According to Matthew 9:35-38, how does Jesus respond to the crowds he sees? What does this reveal about his character? [01:29]
3. The sermon mentions Princess Diana as an example of compassion. What specific actions did she take that demonstrated love without hesitation? [02:38]
4. How does the story of Maribel in "Encanto" illustrate the importance of seeing people for who they are rather than what they lack? [18:00]

Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Simeon's ability to see Jesus as the Messiah suggest about the nature of love and spiritual insight? How might this apply to our own lives? [00:48]
2. How does Jesus' compassion for the crowds in Matthew 9:35-38 challenge our understanding of love as an active choice? What implications does this have for our daily interactions? [01:29]
3. The sermon highlights the importance of stepping out of comfort zones to embrace differences. How can this principle be applied in a church setting to foster unity and understanding? [05:46]
4. In what ways does Maribel's story in "Encanto" challenge us to heal divisions and restore hope in those who feel unseen? How can this be reflected in our community? [18:00]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you, like Simeon, recognized something significant in an unexpected situation. How did this experience shape your understanding of love and faith? [00:48]
2. Jesus' compassion led him to act and heal. Identify a situation in your life where you can respond with compassion. What specific steps can you take to make a difference? [01:29]
3. Consider someone in your life who is different from you, whether in beliefs, background, or lifestyle. How can you step out of your comfort zone to show them love and understanding this week? [05:46]
4. The sermon encourages us to see people for who they are, not what they lack. Think of someone who might feel unseen or undervalued. How can you affirm their worth and offer support? [18:00]
5. As we journey through Advent, how can you embody the love and compassion of Jesus in your daily interactions? What specific actions can you take to reflect God's love to those around you? [20:31]
6. Identify a division or conflict in your community or personal life. What steps can you take to promote healing and reconciliation, inspired by the examples of Simeon, Jesus, and Maribel? [18:56]
7. Reflect on your own need for love and understanding. How can you practice self-compassion and extend the same grace to yourself that you offer to others? [21:23]

Devotional

Day 1: Love as a Lens to See the World
Love is not just a feeling but a way of perceiving the world around us. Simeon, in the Gospel of Luke, exemplifies this when he holds the infant Jesus and declares, "My eyes have seen your salvation." His deep love for God allows him to see beyond the ordinary, recognizing the divine in a vulnerable child. Similarly, Jesus, in the Gospel of Matthew, is moved by compassion when he sees the crowds as harassed and helpless, prompting him to act and heal. This kind of love requires us to open our eyes to the needs of others and to recognize God's presence in unexpected places. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and see the world through a lens of compassion and understanding. [00:48]

"Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law." (Psalm 119:18, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life do you need to see with new eyes of love and compassion today? How can you actively choose to perceive them differently?


Day 2: Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
True love involves stepping out of our comfort zones to embrace those who are different from us. Figures like Princess Diana exemplify this by showing compassion without hesitation. Her actions remind us that love is not passive but requires us to take risks and reach out to those who may not be like us. This Advent season, we are called to reflect on how we can embody such love in our lives, fostering an environment where differences are embraced, and love is extended to all, regardless of theological or social divides. [02:38]

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific way you can step out of your comfort zone this week to show love to someone different from you?


Day 3: Seeing Beyond the Surface
The story of Maribel in Disney's "Encanto" teaches us to see people for who they are, not what they lack. Despite lacking a special gift, Maribel's love and courage bring her family together, highlighting the importance of seeing beyond the surface. This narrative challenges us to heal divisions and restore hope in those who feel unseen. It calls us to look deeper, to recognize the inherent worth in every individual, and to extend love and understanding to those who may feel marginalized or overlooked. [18:00]

"For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7b, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life might feel unseen or undervalued? How can you affirm their worth and show them love today?


Day 4: Reflecting on the Essence of Love
As we journey through Advent, we are called to reflect on the essence of love, which transcends emotions and empowers us to see the world through God's compassionate eyes. This love is not just about feeling good but about actively choosing to see each individual as a cherished creation, deserving of kindness and understanding. It challenges us to embody Jesus' compassion and Simeon's vision in our daily lives, recognizing the miraculous ways God's salvation manifests in unexpected corners of our lives. [20:31]

"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally practice seeing the world through God's compassionate eyes today? What specific actions can you take to embody this love?


Day 5: Proclaiming and Living Love
Let us take inspiration from Simeon and Jesus, opening our eyes to the miraculous ways God's salvation manifests in unexpected corners of our lives. This Advent season, we are called to proclaim love like Simeon, live love like Jesus, and share love like Maribel in "Encanto." It is about seeing the unseen, healing the broken, and reminding everyone, including ourselves, that we are deeply and unconditionally loved. This understanding should guide our actions as we strive to embody compassion and understanding in all our interactions. [21:23]

"Let all that you do be done in love." (1 Corinthians 16:14, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life is yearning for love and understanding? How can you be a vessel of God's love to them today?

Quotes



This Advent season, as we see light, the candle of love, we are reminded that love is more than a feeling or a sentiment. Love is an action, a choice, and a way of seeing the world. Both of today's scriptures call us to love with open eyes. To notice the needs of others, recognize the presence of God in unlikely places, and respond with compassion. [00:00:03]

In Luke's Gospel, Simeon holds baby Jesus in his arms and proclaims, My eyes have seen your salvation. Simeon's love for God allows him to see what others might have overlooked. The Messiah, God's promise, appearing as a vulnerable child. His love for God opens his eyes to the bigger picture. A salvation prepared for everyone, not just one nation. [00:00:40]

He looks at the crowds in his mood with compassion, seeing them as harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus' love is not passive. His love compels him to act, to act, to heal, to heal the sick, to proclaim hope, and to invite others to join him in the work of love. [00:01:19]

Think about one person that you can remember that showed compassion, showed love, without restrictions. See, the one that always comes to mind because of her tragic end is Princess Diana. When so many would not touch people who were living with HIV or AIDS, she didn't flinch. She just cared for them, especially children. [00:02:19]

See, in our current political and social climate, it's so important for us to show that love. and compassion and somehow some way we have to do it now I can hear something you say well but it's really hard sometimes and tell me about I struggle too because we should be able to come to a table have differences and still be able to sit at the table together [00:04:24]

It shouldn't matter where you stand theologically or not. It shouldn't matter that three of the four congregations that are part of the Alliance are open and affirming. It shouldn't matter. What should matter is that we're trying to do God's work. But in over a year, only four congregations have joined together for the Alliance. [00:05:57]

Because how do we expect kids to grow into being faithful church members, being part of a faith community, if we don't allow them to grow that space? See, I told you before that I moved from one seminary where I started, my first year seminary, to Garrett Evangelical. Now, because of those things, I'm not going to go back and do that. [00:09:43]

It is the Open and Wise Committee that allowed the space for a handful of our new congregants to feel comfortable to be here, to provide that face of saying, we'll accept you here. That pride flag out there is not just for LGBTQ communities. It signifies so much more. It signifies that we will welcome anybody. And you have shown that. [00:12:07]

Modern stories, whether through films, literature, or personal narratives, often provide valuable insights into this idea. They offer snapshots of genuine love and highlight the importance of relationships, empathy, and understanding in overcoming challenges. By paying attention to these narratives, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for love in our lives and the world around us. [00:16:23]

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Maribel is essential to the family, not because of a gift she doesn't have, but because of the love, courage, and perseverance she does have. She can see what others don't, the cracks forming in their family relationships, the pressures everyone silently carries, and the healing they all need. [00:17:35]

Imagine a story from your own life a neighbor who worships differently speaks another language or lives in a way you don't fully understand what would it mean to look at them with love not with suspicion or judgment but with curiosity and kindness Jesus's ministry was all about this kind of love he saw the tax collectors the Samaritans the sick the outcasts and instead of turning them away he drew them closer he invited them into his presence healed their wounds and gave them a sense of belonging he loved [00:19:04]

Let us take inspiration from Simeon's profound example, opening our eyes wide to recognize the miraculous ways God's salvation manifests in most unexpected corners of our lives. In the same spirit, let us embody Jesus' compassion by truly seeing those around us. And responding thoughtfully to their needs and circumstances. [00:21:35]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?