Monday, December 23, 2024  

Today's Scripture
Colossians 1:11–15, 19

May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. (NRSV)

Reflection

There are countless ways we are pulled between one important thing and another, and at this time of year, the church calendar and the Gregorian calendar seem particularly at odds. The church year begins with the First Sunday of Advent, which was December 1. The problem for me is that my body and soul are limping toward the December 31 end of the year, and I am on fumes. Couple that with daylight that seems about seven minutes long during Midwest winters and December 1 doesn’t feel like a new year or new beginning.

At the end of our worship, the preacher offers a charge to the congregation — words of wisdom that start with things like “Go out into this world in peace, have courage …” or “Do the good that’s yours to do.” Colossians is Paul’s charge to us. Find strength in God, endure with patience and with joy. This charge reminds us in whom we have redemption and forgiveness. When I am weary, I hold onto what I know is true, and this feels true.

When I’m tired, I also know that it’s important to look for tangible signs of what is good in this world. People are spending their resources to care for one another. They’re seeking reconciliation and forgiveness. Even when folks are limping along, they find a way to feed one another, to listen deeply, and to forge new paths together. All of these are signs of new beginnings, and thankfully they are about God’s goodness and not my energy.

Prayer
Holy God, when we are weary, give us strength to find the good. Give us energy to step toward reconciliation. And when that seems too difficult, remind us that in a couple of days we will celebrate how your fullness dwelt among us in Jesus. And if it isn’t too much to ask, give us opportunities for naps over the next few weeks. Amen.

Written by Andrea Denney, Executive Director of Operational Ministries

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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