1. Practical Love

2. The Christmas Story God’s love for us Mary and Joseph’s love and faith Our Lives What does practical love look like in your life? Mission Loving those in need Practical Love

3. What even is love? Dictionary Definition Love (noun) Profound affection for or personal attachment to another person Someone towards whom love is felt A term of endearment

4. What even is love? Dictionary Definition Love (verb) To have affection for something To have a strong liking for something To need or require something To be in love with someone

5. What even is love? John’s Definition 1 John 3:16 (Contemporary English Version) “We know what love is because Jesus gave his life for us. This is why we must give our lives for each other. If we have all we need and see one of our own people in need, we must have pity on that person, or else we cannot say we love God. Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it.”

6. God LOVING us John 3:16 (NIV) “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.”

7. Joseph LOVES God Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV) This is the story of Jesus’ birth Mary is pledged to be married to Joseph Found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit Joseph is going to divorce her quietly Angel comes in a dream and explains Joseph obeys and marries Mary Have a son named Jesus

8. Joseph LOVES God Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV) (18b) “…before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.” (19) “Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the Law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”

9. Mary LOVES God Luke 1:28-38 (NIV) Mary the peasant virgin girl (probably 14-16 years old), engaged to Joseph Angel comes to her and tells her what is going to happen Mary is confused Angel reassures her Mary agrees

10. Mary LOVES God Luke 1:28-38 (NIV) (28) “The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.” (38) “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

11. Rewind Christmas Story God – LOVES us and acted by sending his Son to die for us Joseph – LOVED God and acted by marrying Mary despite her pregnancy Mary – LOVED God and acted by obeying God despite knowing her reputation and future might be greatly affected Next – Practical Love in our Lives

12. LOVING every day In your life: How has someone else LOVED you? How have you LOVED someone else? Think – practical love, verb, ACTION.

13. LOVING those in need Mission Loving those in need through mission Sacrifice – sometimes money, time, effort Emily – mission in the Philippines

14. LOVING those in need Mission Loving those in need through mission Sacrifice – sometimes money, time, effort Emily – mission in the Philippines Our Bentley mission project – Sumba

15. What is practical love? 1 John 3:16 (Contemporary English Version) “We know what love is because Jesus gave his life for us. This is why we must give our lives for each other. If we have all we need and see one of our own people in need, we must have pity on that person, or else we cannot say we love God. Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it.”

16. Practical Love Challenge How can you LOVE God this week? How can you LOVE someone this week?