2 Corinthians 1:3-9
6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
Now we are nearing the end of the Christmas season, we have seen the hope peace, love, joy, and the gift of Jesus. Paul reminds us that with the peace, love, hope and salvation comes the responsibility to experience distress, suffering and discomfort, and stay faithful as we as we take part in our journey of God's salvation. As God guided and comforted Mary and Joseph that first Christmas with their fears, doubts, and questions we need to hear the words of the angel, "Fear not" for we have a savior Jesus Christ. God never promises a white Christmas or the perfect family time. But we must remind ourselves that Jesus told his disciples that he would not leave but would always be with us to the very end of the age. We are joint heirs in Christ.
Serenity Prayer:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference,Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to his will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. Amen
Reinhold Niebuhr
No comments:
Post a Comment