This Sunday, the Sunday before Christmas Eve, we lit the fourth candle. This is the candle of love. In this season, what could be more important than love?

One thing that the Bible makes clear is that even more than wearing crosses, the mark of a Christian is  how well he or she loves—like Jesus.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 (ESV)

Is there someone in your life for whom you lack love? Someone, you need to reach out to this holy season? Is there a friendless person? A person whom others ignore? Think about this. Whom could you love—and through your love, show God’s love?

Jesus also revealed that His love is the “whole package.” We must always remain in His love if we are to live fulfilled lives.

How do we “remain in His love?”

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now, remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15 9-12 (ESV)

We are not asked to love—we are commanded to do so. By doing so, we not only show Christ to others —but also stay secure in His love. And this ensures our joy. Not just any joy but joy that is “complete.”

Who doesn’t want joy that is “complete?”

And, remaining in God’s love and keeping His commandments results in a promised gift:

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:15-21 ESV).

If the Holy Spirit is within us, we are never alone. And we are never without the Source of truth. This is incredibly comforting when we don’t have close friends or family nearby.

As we go about this final week of Advent and throughout the year ahead,  let’s love as Christ loves. And let’s open the best gifts this season offers—complete joy and the presence of the Holy Spirit, who promises to guide us.

This is the true Spirit of Christmas!