December 17 - Stop worrying and start praying
Contributed by Jodi H. Beyeler
news bureau director on Wednesday December 17
Scripture
Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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Devotion
As we prepare for Christmas, buying and wrapping gifts, baking sweets, attending party after party, hanging lights and singing about made-up reindeer are often stressful and anxiety-filled as we worry about keeping up the appearance of having it all together. Christmas also raises difficult emotions of loss, regrets, pain and loneliness for many. And in the midst of holiday prep, the world offers its own sale on fear and hate.
But God says to stop worrying and start praying unceasingly " in the midst of busy schedules, aloneness and fear. If we can turn our preparations for the coming of Christ into bodily acts of prayer, we can know that "the peace of God will guard our hearts and our minds":
- as you wrap gifts and tie bows, pray for the life and love it represents.
- as you bake cookies and knead dough, add an extra dose of gentleness.
- as you sing carols, know that harmony is coming for your friends and
your enemies.
- and take the time as you say the word "Advent" to slowly breathe in
as you say "Ad" and out as you say "vent." Ad-vent.
In doing so, your whole being will have prayed today and come to know a little bit more about our God of love who casts out all fear.
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