The lecture addresses the final theme of Advent: love, in the context of the connection between the manger and the cross. The speaker reflects on their experiences and observations leading up to Christmas, noting how Christmas decorations evoke a sense of warmth and cheer that contrasts with the somber elements often associated with Easter. This distinction is explored in light of the overarching Christian narrative that binds both events together.

Beginning with an examination of the angel's message to Joseph from Matthew 1, the speaker emphasizes the significance of this divine communication amidst Joseph's turmoil upon discovering Mary's unexpected pregnancy. The notion of love is intricately woven into Joseph's acceptance of the angel's words, urging him to embrace Mary and her child, who is to be named Jesus. This connection evokes the deeper truth of Emmanuel—God with us—revealing a profound identification that God has with humanity through the incarnation.

Expanding on this, the speaker draws attention to the radical nature of God becoming human and the implications of this miracle. Through the lens of C.S. Lewis, they illustrate the gravity of the incarnation, where God deliberately chooses to experience the fullness of human life, including its pains and joys. This act of humbling is highlighted with poignant examples demonstrating how Jesus understands struggles from a deeply personal level. The lecture articulates that God's intention in becoming human is not for His enlightenment, but for ours—to affirm that He knows our experiences intimately and profoundly.

Furthermore, the speaker discusses the duality of reception and imitation as essential applications for the audience. Recognizing the isolation many feel during the holiday season, they encourage the congregation to receive and share God's love actively. They underscore that while God’s love draws near to each individual, it also compels believers to reach out and identify with those who are suffering or marginalized, hence reflecting God's love in action.

As the discourse transitions to the cross, the focus shifts to the purpose of Jesus' life and death. The speaker revisits the announcement made to Joseph, highlighting that Jesus is destined to save His people from their sins. They acknowledge the mystery of salvation through death and the inherent connection to the manger, reinforcing that Christ's incarnation culminates in His sacrificial love at the cross. This linkage between the manger and the cross is further illuminated by referencing Simeon’s prophecy, which anticipates Mary’s grief as the mother of a savior whose mission would bring both hope and opposition.

The lecture culminates in an invitation to communion, emphasizing the continuity between celebrating the birth of Jesus and acknowledging His sacrificial death. By partaking in communion, attendees are reminded not only of the love that brought Christ to earth but also of the encompassing love that beckons believers to embody the same compassion and empathy demonstrated by Christ. The session ends in a collective confession that seeks to align the hearts of the congregation with the true meaning of love as depicted over Advent and leading into the celebration of Christmas and the promise of new life through Christ.