A Love That Exceeds All

(3 Minute Read)

By Heidi Schartner

My first niece was born almost 24 years ago. Her pending arrival brought on a lot of excitement. That doesn’t mean we weren’t equally excited for the amazing kids who followed, but the first baby meant we would all be given new titles. We were now a would be clan of aunts and uncles, Opas and Omas. Little shoes and stuffed animals would litter our homes. Old highchairs were brought out of storage and new blankets were purchased. It seemed like everyone was preparing, not just the parents-to-be.

The day finally came and the excitement led to a bit of miscommunication. A nurse informed my brother that “siblings could be at the hospital.” She meant siblings of the baby about to be born. We thought she meant siblings of the new parents. Oops. We sat and waited at the hospital. And waited. Then, the good news came - Maya was here!

Tears of joy flowed and we all rushed to catch a glimpse of this little one. We crammed our faces together and saw just a peek of her through the window. We must have been so annoying but we were oblivious to anything else.

Then my mom noticed one of the nurses standing there with tears in her eyes. My mom quickly apologized for how loud we all were, thinking the nurse was upset. But no, that wasn’t the reason for the tears. She was overwhelmed to see how much love this little one would clearly have throughout her life. “Not all babies are that fortunate,” she said.

Love that exceeds all

The reality of the nurse’s words has stayed with me and comes to mind especially during Christmas. At the time of Jesus’ birth, the world didn’t make room for Him. His earthly parents made due with the circumstances and Jesus was born in a place meant to shelter animals.

Mary was clearly told about God’s plan. Joseph was clearly told about God’s plan. Did they get it wrong? Surely, God’s child deserved more than this. Surely, His birth story should have been more grand! Surely, He should have been more fortunate.

Then the shepherds came with an exceptional story of how the angels proclaimed this birth. Later on, three kings brought gifts that far exceeded what Joseph and Mary could offer this child. The lowliest and the grandest - extreme ends of society all worshiping and praising this child. Surely, this is how God’s child would be received! Surely, the people who waited so long for their Saviour would eagerly welcome His arrival. 

We know though that Jesus’ life was not filled with acceptance and love. We know that His time on Earth was filled with disappointment, betrayal and a death He did not deserve. He knew all of this and continued to teach, accept, love, and forgive. This is the love we should remember for Advent - a love that far exceeds anything we humans can offer. It is a love only God can give.

This Advent candle for love is the very reason we celebrate Christmas. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

As we light the Advent candle, remember that whoever you are, you are loved. Long before your birth, you were loved. Wherever life finds you today, you are loved. All you need to do is choose God’s love. How fortunate we are.