Date Posted: 2025-12-01 04:24:04 | Video Duration: 01:00:22
At Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, the Advent season began with a heartfelt message about love and the power of presence. The sermon invited the congregation to embrace the practice of “stoay,” a Greek word representing a foundational, familial love that extends beyond bloodlines. This theme was interwoven with personal anecdotes, scripture, and a call to action, encouraging everyone to embody this love in their daily lives.
The Lens of Love
Advent is a time of anticipation, a sacred season where Christians prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ. The sermon began with an invitation to view the world through a “lens of love.” The pastor emphasized how God sees us through this lens, filled with love and compassion, and challenged the congregation to adopt the same perspective. This concept was symbolized by donning glasses that alter the way we perceive others, highlighting the transformative power of love.
Scripture and Stoay
The pastor shared a passage from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, urging the church to let their love be genuine and to hold fast to what is good (Romans 12:9-10). This scripture served as a foundation for understanding “stoay,” a love that binds people together in a quiet, steady manner. Unlike romantic or friendship love, “stoay” is unassuming and unconditional, rooted in the simple act of belonging to one another.
An Invitation to Practice Love
Drawing from personal experiences, the pastor recounted a story of a family Thanksgiving where the presence of loved ones was felt despite their physical absence. The narrative illustrated how love can manifest in unexpected ways, such as a stranger’s comforting prayer on a beach. This encounter was likened to “stoay,” where a simple act of kindness transcends boundaries and creates a sense of family.
A Call to Action
The congregation was encouraged to actively seek out moments of love in their everyday lives. The pastor suggested capturing these instances through photos, sharing them with the church community as a way to celebrate and spread love. By training our eyes to recognize love in the world, we become more attuned to the divine presence in our midst.
Closing Reflections
In closing, the pastor urged the congregation to be like Kathy, the woman from the beach story, who embodied the love of “stoay” through her simple yet profound act of noticing and caring. This Advent season, the challenge is to offer love that is not grandiose but steadfast and genuine, turning strangers into family and transforming the world through the grace of God.
As the worship service concluded, the pastor left the congregation with a powerful thought: “May you see love everywhere this week. May you be love everywhere you go. May it be so.” This call to action serves as a reminder of the transformative power of love, urging everyone to live out this message in their communities and beyond.
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