"If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." - Philippians 2:1-2
Inhale: "Make my"
Exhale: "Joy complete."
Breathe and in and Breathe out God's Word throughout the day in short pauses.
As we journey towards the manger this Advent season many of us are on a search. There is something missing in our lives and superficial happiness will not satisfy our want. We are looking for a sense of unconditional love, acceptance, and wholeness that nothing in this world can buy. It is only when we draw ever closer to the manger and look upon the promised Christ Child that we find our encouragement; this is the One who makes our joy complete.
Joy is not circumstantial happiness but rather a keener sense of God's grace at work in our lives. That grace points towards God's unconditional love for each of us is called a beloved child of God. That grace points towards the mysterious way God's Spirit embraces us where we are in life and shapes us little by little to follow Christ. That grace points to the compassion and sympathy Christ showed all as he lived among us to restore our sense of wholeness through God's hope, peace, joy, and love.
Christ is the one who makes our joy complete because we find our nativity in his.
As you take steps in the Advent journey today, consider the ways Christ makes your joy complete. Where do you sense God's unconditional love, the Spirit's embrace, and Christ's wholeness?
Dear God, thank you for the encouragement we have in Jesus Christ. Make my joy complete as we anticipate his birth. Amen.
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