God is love and love is God. They are one and the same. Just as the song has a clear message, our second best-selling stone appeals to all faiths and denominations because its message cannot be misinterpreted: "Good morning, this is God. I'll be handling all your problems today. I will not need your help. So have a good day. I love you!"
That message reminds us that God holds us in the palm of His Hand. No matter what challenge we face today, we know He loves us and will guide us through it. In the midst of terror threats, alerts and attacks, we feel the prevalence of evil. In spite of those fears that disrupt the peace in our lives and our very hearts, we can place our trust in the power of God, the power of love. For we know the end of the story.
Love is the most powerful force in the universe...As Mahatma Gandhi said,
"love is the strongest force the world possesses and yet is the humblest imaginable." The apostle Paul in the book of Corinthians reminds us that "
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
As we approach Christmas let us remind ourselves of the true reason for this season. It is that very love for which our hearts are yearning, that same love that was born in a stable in Jerusalem some 2000 years ago. A love we so desperately crave.
As we experience the blissful feelings, the beautiful sights, joyful sounds, laughter, and exceptional kindness that dominate the season, may we recognize it as the love of God that flows within us. It truly is the most powerful force in the universe. It isn't a love just for a season, but one that is to be shared by all throughout our days...for love truly is "all we need"!