Category: Christmas (Page 2 of 10)

O Holy Night, the song that moved me this morning. First, FALL ON YOUR KNEES! I couldn’t help but think of all the people who kneel when receiving the Eucharist. They’re falling on their knees with good reason!

His law is love and His Gospel is peace!!!!! Woah! I guess I never really paid attention to the words of this song beyond the chorus. Those words got something stirring in me. My crazy brain went off thinking of love and peace as salt and pepper, the seasoning all Christians should be sprinkling into the world. That morphed into thinking about Matthew 5:13 .

Love and peace, the true “spice of life.” The new year is a good time to assess how well we’re doing spreading love and peace in the world. When it comes to spreading love in the world I think we need to assess two scenarios: love for family and love for the stranger. How are we loving the people in our families, immediate and extended? Do we take time to visit or call? Do we sacrifice our time to bring cheer? Do we forgive as often as necessary? Are we praying for reconciliation?

When it comes to a stranger, are we able to see or sense God’s presence in “the other?” Can we honestly look at a stranger and love them as God loves them – despite faults, flaws, socioeconomic status or nationality? Are we empathizing with and praying for our brothers and sisters struggling in poor and war torn countries?

P is for pepper. LOL! Imagine the earth being “peppered” with peace. If God could wave a wand and zap us with world peace it would be awesome. However, that wouldn’t require our participation and God always wants us to participate in His plan. So how do we go about spreading peace? Be comfortable with vulnerability. View all situations with eyes of innocence. Refrain from gossip. Look on the bright side. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Pray and be silent because God speaks there and where God is there is peace! God bless you!

Today I was inspired by Light of the World by Lauren Daigle. As I listened I was moved by the words Glory, to the light of the world. Yes, the light of the world!

Whenever I watch the news I try to be mindful of the fact that God is victorious, so there’s no need to worry or despair. Today, this song reminds me to go a step further. I need to substitute light and hope for worry and despair and let it out into the world because God wants us to participate in His victory.

Scripture tells us God sent the Spirit of His son into our hearts. How are we using it to bring light and hope to the world? Let’s not hoard it. Let it flow out and through us. Let’s be the priest, prophet and king we were anointed to be. What does that look like for you in your state in life?

The song says: “the world waits for the miracle, the heart longs for a little bit of hope, Oh come, oh come Emmanuel.” Take heed and participate in the miracles waiting to happen all around you. Happy New Year! May it be one of much hope and abundant miracles. God bless you!