Halfway There
“Set an example for other followers by what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith and purity.” - 1 Timothy 4:12
We are halfway to Christmas! What I have loved about this Christmas season this year thus far is that it has truly seemed like a celebration. Perhaps it is because of this Advent devotion. Each writer thus far, in some way, has encouraged us to focus on the true meaning of Christmas rather than materialism. To slow down, rather than rush through the season.
Or maybe it is the physical and visual reminder of the importance of the manger and the Christ-Child when my daughter and I put up the next character or animal on our Advent Calendar, reminding us that this is a countdown to the birth of Jesus, an event that will be celebrated with presents and cake! This is tradition or example that I hope Jozie will follow with her own family.
Are you starting new traditions this year? In what often seems like holiday mayhem, are we living examples of love, faith and purity? My prayer for today is that in the midst of all that we have on our “lists” this Christmas, may living lives of faith,love, and purity have checks beside them first.
“It is not enough to tell a child how to behave or how to find happiness. Words are plentiful. Little lives are fragile. We must show them in every gesture how to build a meaningful life, how to extend kindness to others and to forgive cruelty by doing so. We must show them how something as easy as a smile can hold the power to heal.”*
Prayer: Lord, may our lives reflect your love as we celebrate your birth this Christmas season. May our faith in The Child, be evident to all whom we encounter through words, deeds and smiles. Amen
-RSL
*Corrine De Winter
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