Our Advent and Christmas celebrations teach us to look in two directions at the same time. We look back to remember how God sent Jesus as the light of the world so that we might become children of the light, God’s children. We also look ahead to when Jesus will return and fulfill his work of making all things new.

Writing to the early followers of Jesus in Rome, Paul urges them: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” In a way like John, Paul teaches that “love does no harm to a neighbor.” This is the light of Christ living in us.

But Paul frames this command not simply as a response to what God has already done in Jesus. A forward-looking urgency comes into view as well: “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.” This is not a threatening, fear-inducing urgency meant to guilt us into grudgingly loving others. Rather, this is joy-filled, overflowing excitement that leads to action. Jesus is almost here! Let’s get ready for his arrival!

How do we do that? We get dressed. “Let us put aside the deeds of darkness”—any behavior and attitude that can harm our neighbors—“and put on the armor of light”—love for our neighbors, through which the love of Christ is fulfilled in us.