Tina Turner once asked, “What’s love got to do with it?” The question lands close to home for clergy and congregations, especially during Advent. We all are aware that ministry can move quickly this time of year. Our calendars become filled, expectations rise, and the work can feel relentless. However, Advent pauses us long enough to ask what truly grounds all of it.
The love at the heart of Advent shows up in ordinary faithfulness. It takes shape in our relationships, shared leadership, and the life of our congregation walking together. Clergy live this love through steady presence, thoughtful preaching, and pastoral care offered in both visible and unseen ways. Congregations embody it through patience, generosity, and commitment to one another, even when the path feels uncertain.
The Gospel stories before Christmas give us a clear picture of this love. Mary trusts God with her future. Joseph chooses compassion when confusion and fear could have guided his steps. Elizabeth speaks words that strengthen faith. These moments reflect the daily choices that shape ministry and community life. Love becomes real through faithfulness practiced over time.
For clergy, Advent love means listening deeply, leading with humility, and holding hope while carrying others' concerns. It shows up in hospital rooms, planning meetings, sermons shaped by prayer, and moments of silence where God’s presence feels close. This love sustains the call long after the season ends.
For congregations, Advent love takes form in showing up for worship, supporting one another, extending grace in disagreement, and remembering that the church belongs to God’s mission. It is lived when people choose connection over isolation and faithfulness over convenience.
At the center of Advent love stands Emmanuel, God with us. God enters the real world of ministry and community life, not from a distance but with abiding presence. That promise holds clergy and congregations together.
As the candle of love is lit this Advent, Tina Turner’s question remains. What’s love got to do with it? Everything. Love grounds our calling, shapes our community, and carries us toward Christmas already at work among us.