STRONG IN SPIRIT (Advent 26)

LUKE 1: 80 And the child (John) grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel. (NIV)

Wouldn’t we like to say we’re becoming strong in spirit? Wouldn’t it be a blessing to say our children are becoming strong in the heart of the Lord? We need to look inside our own life and carve away everything that is not of the Spirit and what we have left is the strong spirit we long for.

“Easy for you to say, Doris,” some will mock.

Yes, it is much easier to say than to do. We cannot do it on our own. Let this Advent Season, this Holy Christmas, be the blessed time when we realize that only God within us, the Holy Spirit, can mold us around itself. The more we step out of the way and allow the Spirit to fill us and surround us, the fuller we will be. It isn’t a matter of doing, it is all about allowing. Let us pray:

“God in Heaven and Lord of our soul, we bow before you. This is the Christmas when we want the love of the Christ Child to fill our heart so that your kingdom may live within. Today, we willing let go of the fear that prevents us from giving in to you. We fear we will no longer be in control, or we fear you will not bless us with your indwelling spirit. Yet, that message has been told for thousands of years and still we ask if it is meant for us. Forgive us when we doubt—when we doubt you and ourselves. We don’t have to be attractive, of a certain age, a particular race, height, weight, or intellect. You have called to every one of us down through the ages. May your sweet voice be heard this Christmas Season, not only by us, but by the stranger and the enemy who dwells among us. Even the most hate-filled soul can turn to love-stuffed when Love is shared. In the name of your son Jesus, the Christ Child of the world, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.