ADVENT DECEMBER 6

PEACE, KINDNESS, AND LOVE

  

It’s quite simple:  Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously. Micah 6:8  (The Message)

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.  To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”  Calvin Coolidge

With the tumultuous election season behind us and then being immediately thrown into the rush of the holiday season, no wonder we yearn for peace—peace among each other, peace in our hearts and even small minutes of peaceful silence.  In very hectic times at work or when I begin to get anxious about the number of things I think I need to get done, I often say Psalm 51:10 to myself:  “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”  It brings me back to center with God, exactly where I need to be.  Isn’t it amazing that after a busy time in our lives, we often look back and try to remember exactly what tasks were so important at the time that we worked exhausting hours or made this particular project a priority?

Prayer: Prince of Peace: Renew your right spirit within us this holiday season.  May we remember to live the Christmas spirit all year as we show your peace, kindness and love. Amen.

Cathy Schapmann