December 6

Scripture: 
John 14:27, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

“Garlands and the Cross”

What make our lives as followers of Christ different? People from countries that follow Eastern religions may comment that the peace their Christian neighbours have within them is what makes them stand out among others who frequent shrines and temples.

Garlands are offered, incense is burned, and libations are poured out. These gestures illustrate this world’s effort to secure peace and well-being from without.

Jesus promises to give us his peace— not as the world gives. His peace becomes ours to have with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We no longer strive for the things of the world but “strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up” (Rom 14:19 CEB). As we make every effort to take up our cross, so the work of Christ may be complete in us, let us also build up our community of faith with the love of Christ. The cross of our Lord Jesus is most evidently witnessed in the lives of His people.

Drop Thy still dews of quietness,
Till all our strivings cease;
Take from our souls the strain and stress,
And let our ordered lives confess
The beauty of Thy peace. — John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892)

Application: Solitude,  Christian living begins with transformation from within. The question is, are we willing to let go of our futile struggles and let God in? We need to learn to enter God’s peace:[1]

“Once you push through the initial discomfort and challenge of solitude you’ll find that it will bring the wonderful refreshment of God’s peace .Even when we’re in stressful circumstances we can learn to maintain a silent center, a stillness of soul that flows in God’s peace. We come into this peace by training with Jesus in silence and solitude. As we go into the solitary place with the Lord he purges our souls of the distractions, anxieties, and sins that rise to the surface. Then his Holy Spirit like a dove settles on us and leaves us with the gift of peace, a deep and soul-full sense of well-being.”[2]

 Jesus calls us to be the salt and light of the world. When our lives manifest the beauty of His peace, all those around us will taste and see the goodness of God.

Prayer: 

Gracious God, we thank you for gathering us together in the name of the risen Christ and for the many blessings that bless us with through him and the Holy Spirit.
We praise your most holy name for the life that you pour out upon us, for the love that you embrace us with, for the strength and the hope that you grant us. We receive your many gifts with a sense of awe and humility.
Be present with us dear Lord, and guide us in our time of prayer and meditation, that we might hear what you have to say to us this day, and hearing, might do as you ask. May our lives reflect your goodness and bring to you the praise of others, both now and forevermore. Amen [3]

[1] Bill Gaultiere, "Solitude and Silence," Soul Shepherding, http://www.soulshepherding.org/2005/08/solitude-and-silence/ (Accessed Nov 21, 2013.) 

[2]Bill Gaultiere, "Solitude and Silence," Soul Shepherding, http://www.soulshepherding.org/2005/08/solitude-and-silence/ (Accessed Nov 21, 2013.) 

[3]Richard J. Fairchild, "Sermon and Liturgy (2) for The Sixth Sunday of Easter - Year C," Sermons and Sermon- Lectionary Resources, http://www.rockies.net/~spirit/sermons/c-ea06sn.php (Accessed on Nov 21, 2013.)