It’s the night before Christmas and not a creature is stirring.. except my cat Gabriel and I 😹.
We’ve had quite possibly the best Advent ever – still Covid so not a lot of stress from too many activities, ample lights-viewing, St. Nick, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Las Posadas celebrations and lots of time with our family. It also helps that a lot of our preparations (meals, gifts, to do lists) can be handled online rather than frenetic running from place to place.
It’s also been a lot less commercialized, probably again because we aren’t in the world outside our bubble or in stores even. The temptation to use riches for gain is then decreased. Instead we can focus on the rich blessing God bestows on us of Himself. As scripture says…
As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches but on God who richly furnishes us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good deeds, liberal and generous, thus laying up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life which is life indeed.
1 Timothy 6:17–19 (RSVCE):
We have been blessed to take care of ourselves materially and this verse resounded when I read it, a warning to not assume that what was for us will always be.
The tree abounds with gifts for tomorrow and my greatest blessings, my family, will all be here to celebrate together and make memories, Praise God. Lord, let the joy of the gifts You’ve given always be enough. And should I ever face the trials of want, Lord, let your grace be enough!
Let us pray:
Praise you Lord, who entered and left this world as one with few possessions.
Praise you Lord, for your clear call to protect the most vulnerable.
Give me wisdom to discern how to best use my gifts and riches for Your Glory.
Protect me Lord, from the sin of reliance on myself.
Guide me Lord, that this body you have given me may be rich in doing good deeds, in whatever mission ground to which You call me.
Thank you Lord, for the ultimate gift at Christmas, of your precious Son Jesus, who though was You and was Love and was Life, You allowed to experience pain and death that one as lowly as I may be able to spend eternity with You. Let Your will for me be done.