John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

It is the little things that show love. It is that surprise note, it is a phone call when you least expect it. It is that surprise, that shock, that impetuous trip. It is that sunrise, that flock of birds that flies right over your head. Love is shown in the taste of the rain, in the quixotic flurry of snow. There is love in the moonlight shining through the gently swaying leaves of an oak. There is love in the quietness of your own home in that moment that time stands still and all is perfect.

It is the little things that show love. Love is the little child born long ago on a chilly night in a little stable, who's only visitors were sheep, donkeys, chickens, and a passing shepherd. Love was the little 12 year old child in the temple. Love was the passing advice of a strange man to two fishermen to cast their nets on the other side of the boat. Love was the healing of the deaf and the blind. Love was the smiling children finally allowed to see the great Rabbi. Love was the little boy sharing his lunch. Love was the waking of a young girl. Love was the gift of a widow's tithe. Love was letting demons go into pigs rather than directly being banished. Love was there in the nails and rough-hewn wood. Love was in the broken stone. Love was explaining of prophecy to two walking men. Love was the laying on of hands to a persecutor of the faith. Love was in the letters of encouragement to others. Love was in chains and manacles of prison. Love was in the fresh air and the warm wind of the sea. Love was in the green grass of Patmos. Love was in the service to widows and the feeding and care of orphans.

Love is in the little things: That little town, on that little night, in that little one.

Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead,
Love incarnate, love divine;
Worship we our Jesus:
But wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token,
Love shall be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and to all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.