Advent Love

I caught this candid moment showing a good friend with his little granddaughter at our church. I love the tenderness and trust that is portrayed in their pose.

Those of us, who have been blessed with a loving earthly father, have a first hand lesson regarding the way God loves us. Our fathers gave us life, provision, care, and protection. God is not just a father living far away in a heavenly place, but a father who is here, holding me in his arms, just like in the picture. He is involved with the daily concerns of my life.

I found this poem online and felt the ache of the poet’s broken heart. Yet her experience is shared by many who are without father or mother or family.

A Father's Love

I am searching for the love I never had
A love which I deserve
And have been denied for too long
A father's love
A father's love, unconditional and never ending
A father's love, longed for by a child
Big or small the love never fades
But grows with each day
Regardless of past, present and future
Regardless of what we think is right or wrong
No one can replace a father's love
But a father

Lisa Teres Fraser

God would be our parent, mother or father, and longs to provide the love and security that might not be found in our earthly situation.

Isaiah 49:14-16 gives a beautiful picture of God’s love. I frequent scribble an important message on the palm of my hand as a sure reminder that will not be misplaced. The image of my name inscribed in the palm of God’s hand is a reassuring symbol of his constant care.

But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me,
And the Lord has forgotten me."
Can a woman forget her nursing child
And have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.
Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;
Your walls are continually before Me.

Many people struggle with understanding the unconditional love of God. None of us are good enough to earn his love, yet we turn from him when we feel we have messed things up. Others ask why a loving God allows so much pain and suffering in the world. A good parent does not exert total control on his children, but allows them certain freedom to choose their own way. God's love is not dependent on our behaviour, as is so beautifully illustrated in the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. He is always there looking and waiting for us as we seek him with all our heart.

On this third Sunday of Advent, the Everlasting Father wants us to receive his life, comfort, love and peace, graciously offered and ever present in our lives.

…and His name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

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