As we prepare for Christmas, we will be sharing weekly devotions.
Philippians 4:4-7
“Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.” (v.5)
I find it hard to believe that we are at the third Sunday of Advent already. We still have boxes at the bottom of the basement with decorations which have not been set out. The stockings have not yet been hung by the chimney with care. There is no smell of freshly baked holiday cookies when you walk in the door. There is an advent wreath on the table, with the daily devotions placed next to it. But have I read it each day? What have I been doing to get ready for Christmas? What should I be doing?
In the gospel lesson (Luke 3:7-18), John the Baptist has some clear ideas about what we should be doing as we wait for Messiah. “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” And it is true that many of us include service projects and donations in our advent observances. Luke tells us that John the Baptist’s exhortations are the good news. And when I read that, and think about this call to give to others, I begin to see that the good news about the coming of Jesus is not really about me and what I do. The good news is that God is coming to the entire world. Those in need will know God is near when others demonstrate the goodness of God.
I like this Philippians text in Advent because it reminds me that God is coming to the whole world. We may be the ones who demonstrate to others that God is near; who help ease the anxiety of others by living in gentleness; we may be the answer to others’ prayers. Or, we may need to know that God is coming to us through others.
At our house, when we light the advent candles, we sing, “O come, o come Emmanuel…Rejoice, rejoice. Emmanuel shall come to you…” Whether we find ourselves called to share, or being met at our place of need, the truest Advent preparations are those that cause us to rejoice in knowing God is among us.
Sue Ellen Spotts
Director for Evangelical Mission
Allegheny and Upper Susquehanna Synods