Seeing Love: Embracing Compassion This Advent Season

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]