Philippians 4: 4-7 v 4 “Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Be joyful”
“Never worry, pray to God for your needs, give thanks, God’s peace, guard your emotions through Jesus Christ.” These are the words that stood out to me as I read this passage today as well as the opening sentence about joy.
Two years ago, my mom was dying, my sister was crying at her bedside when I called her, my brother had just left after a quiet visit. My sister put her phone close to my mom, and I said a few words. An hour later, I got the call that she had gone. It was Christmas Eve. Waiting for that moment to come over the past week had been hard. The carols were playing, the lights were twinkling, and people were smiling but my heart was sad and putting on a brave face for those around me made me exhausted at the end of the day. However, we were able to have that last Christmas with my mom as we opened the presents that my sister had brought, and she and my mum had wrapped together at her bedside on Christmas day. I saved the tag and have just put it on my Christmas tree along with all the other decorations made by my kids when they were in school, and even one from last year made by my first grandchild.
The sad times in our lives make us appreciate the good times. Life and Christmas is wrapped up in these ups and downs. But God’s peace which passes all understanding, and Jesus guarding our emotions, leads us to a place of joy, a deep down in your inner being JOY!
Prayer: Holy father, thank you for the wonder of creation and our lives on earth. Be near those who are sad today and guard their emotions so that they can find joy in the birth of your son Jesus Christ. Amen.
CrossWalk 