Advent is a season of waiting and reflection. However, the waiting is certainly not passive. It’s a time filled with anticipation, hope, and deep contemplation of what it means that God first loved us. That he came to us in the flesh. The profound meaning of this season encompasses the joy and celebration of the arrival of this innocent new life of the baby Jesus. With what lay ahead for the child into his manhood, the carpenter walking a path which would encompass both joy and suffering.

We can barely grasp that a being who is fully God would be willing to endure this, to give up all the divine privileges and prerogatives to enter humanity in such a vulnerable way. As Paul wrote in his very personal and loving letter to the Philippians, this was an act of supreme love. Jesus was willing to become one with humanity in his great desire to seek and save the lost. In the first century, servants and slaves bore a very low status, their lives often dictated to by others. And yet Jesus chose this path of self-emptying. But then, even more remarkable, he was obedient even unto death on a cross — the most brutal, humiliating form of execution imaginable, reserved for the, quote-unquote, lowest of the low.

Why did Jesus have to suffer and come down so far? He descended into the depths of human suffering and humility. Jesus came for all mankind, including those who may feel they don’t quite make the social ladder, or they feel dejected or not good enough, or think they could never be forgiven. But here we see Jesus descending to embrace humanity in a remarkable rescue mission of redemption being offered to all peoples.

In a summation of God’s love for humanity, the disciple whom Jesus loved wrote:
‘This is how God showed his love among us; He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.’ (1 John 4:9 NIV). Born out of love, God sent us his son into our world, fully God yet fully human — to be present with us. And we love because he first loved us (v.19)..

Through the power of his love, we are able to offer ourselves as vessels filled with his love. Surrendered, that we may have the same mind and heart of Jesus. Filled with his same passion, compassion, and love, which propels us to reach out.

As we reflect on how God first gave, let us respond in like manner. With open hearts and willing hands, let us reflect on God’s gift in Christ. Take time in this Advent season to dwell on the magnitude of Jesus’ humility and sacrifice.

What does his willingness to give up everything reveal about the nature of God’s love for you? Embrace a posture of giving. Since God first gave, how can we mirror his generosity?

Let’s also consider how we can give not just financially but give up ourselves through our time, our encouragement, our service, and love for others.

Let’s rejoice in the hope of the kingdom. Even in seasons of waiting, we live in expectation of God’s promise. Let this Advent be a time of active waiting, leaning into the hope of what is to come, and living out the ways of the kingdom of God today.

Advent reminds us that God first gave, and he gave everything. In Christ, we see the fullness of divine love poured out for us — an invitation into the new life and mission.

May the Spirit of Christ fill you with joy, love, and hope in this sacred season.

This is an edited study that was first published in the 31 October 2025 edition of the Equipper publication.

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