Advent Week Four: Love at Advent: Finding Ourselves in the Story of Zacchaeus

Anticipating Jesus
As we wrap up our Advent series—having reflected on hope, joy, and peace—this final Sunday turns our attention to love. Though the word “love” is often associated with both this season and the larger story of Jesus, it can sometimes feel watered down or overly familiar. But Advent reminds us that love is not a mere concept or luxury; it’s foundational to who we are. It’s our deepest need—and, in Jesus, our most staggering gift.

Who Is Worthy of Love?
So often, our culture treats love as a commodity, something in limited supply that must be earned by the “deserving.” We can carry that same mindset into church, unconsciously telling ourselves (and others) that God’s love is only for those who behave or believe a certain way. This week’s passage—Luke 19:1-10—answers the question: Who exactly is God's love for? Spoiler alert: if there was hope for Zacchaeus, there’s hope for us too!

Zacchaeus: The Ultimate Outcast
We meet Zacchaeus as a wealthy, notorious chief tax collector in Jericho. In those days, tax collectors were seen less like paperwork-pushers and more like mafia bosses—extorting money by force on behalf of an occupying empire. He wasn’t just disliked; he was hated. If anyone seemed beyond the reach of love, it was Zacchaeus.

Yet, in the midst of the crowds, Jesus spots him up in a sycamore tree. Why was Zacchaeus so eager to see Jesus? Perhaps shame and desperation had finally led him to seek something more—some kind of hope, some kind of acceptance that wealth and status just couldn’t buy.

Love That Seeks
The first surprise in this story is that Jesus was looking for Zacchaeus. Advent is a celebration of God seeking us first—God sending His Son to enter our broken reality and call us to Himself. The incarnation itself, the birth of Jesus, is the ultimate invitation of God seeking His people. Even when we feel unworthy, unlovable, or too broken to be found, Jesus comes near.

Like Zacchaeus, we often wonder: “Does God really want me?” Yes, He does. He wants to see you and find you right where you are. In fact, He is already at work drawing near—through prayer, through Scripture, through small moments that gently whisper, “I see you.”

Love That Sees
Zacchaeus was despised by the community; the crowd grumbled that Jesus would spend time with “a sinner.” Yet, Jesus noticed Zacchaeus. He called him by name and asked to stay at his house. Before Zacchaeus made any changes or proved himself, Christ recognized him as a person created and loved by God.

The power of being seen and known—especially when we feel unworthy—can be life-changing. Jesus didn’t demand that Zacchaeus clean up his act before they could talk. He met him in the middle of the crowd, in all his shame. True love sees us fully, including our shortcomings, and still longs for relationship.

Love That Saves
In response to Jesus’ acceptance, Zacchaeus had a radical change of heart: “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold” (Luke 19:8). It wasn’t guilt that transformed Zacchaeus; it was grace. Once he realized that God’s love was for him—despite his sin—his immediate response was genuine repentance.

This is the love we celebrate at Advent: the God who does not shame us into better behavior, but instead extends undeserved mercy that opens the door for lasting change. As Jesus said, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). If love reached Zacchaeus, it can reach you and me.

Reflecting the Love of Christ
It’s tempting to be like the crowd—building barriers, judging harshly, and relegating certain people (sometimes even ourselves!) to “unlovable” status. But as the Body of Christ, we’re invited to be a people who seek and see others—no matter how broken—because that’s exactly how Jesus treats us. The Church is called to mirror this radical, unearned love in the world around us.

So as we light the final Advent candle and celebrate God’s coming to us in Jesus, may we remember:

1. God is seeking you
   Even in your doubts, in your busyness, and in your hidden shame, He pursues you.
2. God sees you
   He knows every part of who you are—and calls you by name anyway.
3. God saves you
   Through grace, not through shame or intimidation. In Christ, we are transformed from the inside out.
   
   

At Roswell Community Church, we’re leaning into the truth that everyone—no matter their past—needs to hear: you are deeply loved by God. As you reflect on the Advent season and prepare for Christmas, remember that Jesus enters our messy reality, looks us in the eyes, calls us by name, and invites us into the fullness of His kingdom. May this love give you hope, joy, and peace now and always.

We look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus with you. If you have questions, need prayer, or simply want someone to walk alongside you in your faith journey, our community is here. Feel free to connect with us online or visit in person. We can’t wait to see you and share in the wonder of Advent’s love together.

Grace and Peace to you all this Christmas.