Dec 17th, 2021: Take Refuge in God

 

I am not much of a conversationalist in the early morning. I prefer to start my day with a period of reflection and meditation. Somehow that prepares my heart with tranquility and brings clarity to my mind. It is not a religious exercise. It is about my relationship with God, my reminder of who I am in God, my appreciation for people that God has brought into my life.


As we approach Christmas, let us remind ourselves that God desires for us to have a meaningful relationship with Him, a peaceful heart in our interactions with one another, and confidence in going about His work. The most precious gift we can give one another is the gift of time.


Once again we are told that we should not plan to travel this Christmas because of the new variant. Many families will have to go through the pain and sadness of not seeing their loved ones for the second year. Let us care for those who are lonely and shut in with God's help. Let us reach out to the sick and the destitute in our own communities. Let us not be concerned with what we cannot do. May our hearts and minds be open to the suffering of our "neighbors".


Don't get me wrong. There are people whom I have not seen for a long time, and I would love to give them hugs and receive hugs from them. "I'll be home for Christmas" is in my mind. Would we be home with God this Christmas? If not, what would be our excuses?


"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." – Psalm 34:8


"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive." – Acts 20:35

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