Our final “Advent word” is Love. Our God is a God of love. The book of Lamentations proclaims, in the midst of suffering and struggle, “For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.” God never willingly causes suffering. He is a God of compassion, who “Loved the world so much that he sent his only Son!” (John 3:16) In response to his great love for us, he gives us a new command, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” (John 13:34)