In this week's Advent sermon, Pastor Stephen Mizell challenges us to rethink everything we thought we knew about love. As we light the fourth Advent candle, discover why love isn't just a warm feeling or sentimental decoration—it's a Person you meet and a divine action that changes everything.

Drawing from 1 John 4:7-12, Pastor Stephen unpacks the profound truth that God doesn't just love—He IS love. This means love existed before creation, before redemption, and before the incarnation. We don't manufacture love; we can only reflect it. We don't generate it; we can only distribute it.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Why the Bible never treats love as a decoration
• The difference between sentimental love and sacrificial love
• How the manger and the cross are inseparably connected
• Why your theology is only as good as your relationships
• The challenge of being God's "full expression" of love to the world
• A special word for those finding this Christmas season difficult

KEY QUOTE: "Christmas is not about God shouting from the mountaintops, 'I love you.' It's about Him whispering it from a manger."

This sermon includes a salvation invitation and a tender moment addressing those experiencing a "Blue Christmas"—anyone grieving loss, waiting for answered prayer, or finding the season less joyful than expected. Pastor Stephen reminds us that the good news of Christmas isn't that God avoided darkness, but that He stepped into it.

SCRIPTURE: 1 John 4:7-12, Romans 10:9

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Pastor Stephen Mizell serves as the lead pastor of Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. His teaching combines biblical depth with practical application, helping people encounter Jesus in real and transformative ways.