Wrapped in Love

1st Sunday after Christmas
Readings:
Old Testament: Exodus 13:1-3a, 11-15
Epistle: Colossians 3:12-17
Gospel Luke 2:22-40

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I had lunch with a friend the other day, and we were talking about watching the wonders of God's plan unfolding before our eyes. It is truly amazing to see God's will at work, and to be able to recognize those times when He is using you as an instrument of His love is an experience like no other. My friends, we are all capable of being these instruments so often, and probably even more often than we are. So we should always be ready for service. We should live as though at any moment the Holy Spirit, sent from God, will work in us to help another.

And so to be ready at any moment, we should live every moment in His love, and as shining examples and beacons of His light and love. The Epistle lesson this week from Colossians says, "As God's cheson people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as teh Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

It is the way we should live. Displaying all these qualities at all times, doing each one in the love that Christ gave us. And we should be these things not only to each other, as brothers and sisters in Christ, but also to everyone else you meet.
Do not begrudge each other. As I know this occurs, I implore you to give up the grudge and cling to love, and forgiveness, for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the will of God the Father. If you do not forgive, why, then, should God forgive you? But forgive, and you will be forgiven. "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." If a body wars against itself, what good can it be accomplished? But remember Christ, your light, and the directions he gave us, so that we may move forward confidently, with love, until that day when He returns.

In this New Year I wish for you all to make it your resolution to strive to exemplify these virtues; to always be at the ready; to live in the Spirit. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom... with gratitude in your hearts to God." And to do all this, wrapped in love.

As you enter this new year, may the Lord God, creator of all things, bless you richly, keep you in His love, and grant you His peace.