Christmas is the gift of true love.  In 1 John, we have been encouraged to love others and today we see the full spectrum of true love

So, how do we know what is truth and false?  The question of truth colors are spiritual conversations, ethics and politics and plagues the human heart.  How do we know as John will pose in our text today, the spirit of truth and the spirit of error?  Let us be thankful to the Spirit of God who has revealed the truth to us and let us be on guard that we would not fall into unbelief.

Today, be encouraged to keep it simple.  Yes, during this season which can easily get busy, but especially when it comes to our daily walk with Jesus.  John has two simple takeaways for us today: believe in Jesus and love one another.  As we will see, it is not always that easy in a world full of no faith, hate and unrighteousness to do that.  So, in light of Jesus’ comings may we believe and grow in our faith in Jesus.  Let us also this Advent season grow in our love for others.

Let us today hear straight from the father heart of God, as He calls us to be in the world, but not of it.  Let us abide in God’s love and truth and resist worldliness and deception.

The last thing a father would want is for his kids to have misconceptions and false thinking about life or death issues. Today's message is the same, as the Father wants us to know the truth about Himself, having a relationship with Him and its effects.

When you send your child off to camp and there is a flashlight on the packing list you are going to make sure they have a flashlight.  The last thing you want is your son and daughter walking in the dark.  God’s fathering heart is the same with us.  He wants us to not walk in the darkness, but instead the light.

For 33 years different people got to see, hear and touch Jesus.  They got to hang out with Him over meals, hear Him teach, see Him heal people, play with children and see Him pray in dependence to the Father.  The Apostle John was a witness of that and much more.  His encounter with Jesus changed his life forever.  John proclaims this to us and the Father heart of God for us in his first letter that we will look at beginning today.  As we journey through 1 John, may we see that God wants us to know and love Him, and to experience the joy of sharing such with others.

Today we learn the great power of influence that a parent can have, as we seek to be those who exalt God to the next generation.

At times we probably wonder as parents what the point of parenting is. God has given a point and focus to our parenting. It says in Psalm 145.3-4, Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts. The point of parenting is for you to exalt God and help your kids do the same. Let’s be encouraged over the next two weeks to exalt God to the next generation.