Love. Scripture, reflection and prayer.

Matthew 22:34-40 "Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Reflection. Do we get it yet that love must be, if you will excuse the pun, at the heart of everything we are about. Love for God, and love for those around us. What does this say to us about whom we celebrate alongside this Christmas.  Jesus was asked elsewhere 'who is my neighbour' and Jesus's response was tell the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37). Our neighbour in the story is 'Johnnie Foreigner.' What does that say to the political climate in our country today? 
Please don't now go on a guilt trip. Remember instead that when we love God first we discover better that God loves us...first. In Jesus, God declares His love and opens the gates of glory. In Jesus, God whispers in your ear, into your heart, 'I love you.' We love because He has first loved us.
Prayer. Lord Jesus, thank you for your love. Amen