As Christmas approaches, we are turning our focus to love this final week of Advent. In this episode, Karen and Emily unpack what it looks like to love like Jesus in everyday moments: choosing presence, serving quietly, pausing before reacting, and remembering that we love others because Christ first loved us. If the holidays have stretched your patience thin, we hope this conversation will help you refocus your heart on what truly matters!

Episode Recap:

• We’re talking about love this week (6:05)
• How do we respond to God’s love practically? (7:55)
• Loving others looks like not being selfish (8:44)
• Take an interest in others this Christmas (12:34)
• Choose presence over perfection (15:54)
• Speak life with your words (16:31)
• Pause before you react (18:42)
• Enjoy simple moments (20:20)
• Serve quietly (21:15)
• Focus on gratitude (22:42)

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-5 (NIV)
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

Discussion Questions: 

1. Why do you think loving others feels harder during the holidays?
2. In what ways do you catch yourself trying to impress others rather than love them?
3. Which part of Philippians 2:1–5 challenges you the most right now?
4. What does “choosing presence over perfection” look like in your home?
5. What is one thing you can do this week to respond with love instead of frustration?

Resources:

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