Kindness, Prayer, and the Peace of Christ this Advent
Scripture Passage
Phil 4:4-7
Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
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Grace Prayed For
The grace of rejoicing always: This isn’t about pretending everything is perfect, but about cultivating a deep-seated joy that comes from knowing God is near, even amidst life’s challenges. Ask for the grace to see God’s hand at work in your life and to find reasons for gratitude even in difficult times.
Reflection
This passage from Philippians, bursting with joy and peace, resonates deeply with the spirit of Advent. As we prepare for the coming of Christ, we are called to “Rejoice in the Lord always!” This isn’t a superficial happiness, but a deep-seated joy that springs from knowing that “The Lord is near.”
Advent is a time of anticipation, of waiting with hope. Just as the Israelites yearned for the promised Messiah, we too await the second coming of Christ in glory. Yet, we also celebrate the beautiful truth of Emmanuel, “God with us,” present in the here and now.
This presence of Christ, born of the Father and empowered by the Holy Spirit, is the source of our peace. The Trinity, a mystery of love, draws near to us in this season. The Father’s loving plan of salvation, the Son’s humble incarnation, and the Spirit’s sanctifying grace are all interwoven in the Advent story.
The passage urges us to cast our anxieties on God, bringing our prayers and petitions with thanksgiving. In doing so, we open ourselves to the “peace of God that surpasses all understanding.” This peace is not the absence of trouble, but a deep sense of trust and serenity that comes from knowing we are held in God’s loving embrace.
As we journey through Advent, let us cultivate this spirit of joyful expectation and surrender our worries to God. Let us be kind and compassionate to all, reflecting the love of the Trinity to the world. And may the peace of Christ fill our hearts and minds, preparing us to celebrate the wonder of His birth.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Cultivating Joyful Presence: “Rejoice in the Lord always!” This call to joy isn’t merely a suggestion, but a key to drawing closer to Jesus. When we cultivate joy, even amidst challenges, we attune our hearts to His presence. Joy allows us to perceive the blessings around us, the small miracles of each day, and the love that God pours out constantly. This awareness deepens our connection with Jesus, who is the source of all joy.
Daily Scripture Reflection
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Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post