1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 (The Message)
Hope
Reflection: Christians believe that Jesus is coming back. Believing this, charges each moment of the present with hope. Paul prods the Thessalonian Church and us on this sixth day of Advent to continue to live forward in taut and joyful expectancy for what God will do next in our life stories with Jesus. Stars have long been used to navigate unknown territory.
I remember my own Father envisioning what living eternally with God might look like. In his view, every individual who enters eternal life is given a new star or planet to care for, having stewardship of its vital resources. Paul gives us a hope filled message of joy and encouragement:
May the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around, just as it does from the lasting relationships we have with others in the community of faith. Paul’s Advent wish for us today is that we be infused with strength and purity, filled with confidence in the presence of God and continue to look for our Master Jesus to arrive with all of his followers.
Prayer: God of Grace and Love, enable me to relate to the uniqueness and gifts of the joy and hope you have for me this day. Let me practice fruitful Christian relationship and hospitality with each person you bring to connect with me, so that they may feel your love and presence. Amen.
Rev. Dr. Ann Osborne, Associate Pastor