Sunday, December 6, 2015

2nd Advent 2015, Gentle Kindliness

2nd Advent

Philippians 4:1, 4:4-9

Therefore my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and my crown of glory, stand firm in the power of the Lord.

Rejoice in the nearness of the Lord at all times! And I say it again: Rejoice!
Let a gentle kindliness be evident toward all human beings you encounter. The Lord is near! Let not worry have power over you; let your concerns in all things be known to God by sending your supplication and prayer upward in thankful thoughts. And the peace of God, which transcends anything that the intellect can grasp, will keep your hearts and thoughts safe in the Being of Christ….

And lastly dear brothers I say to you:
all that is true,
all that is worthy of reverence,
all that is good and holy,
all that is lovely to look at and beautiful to hear,
all that has virtue and deserves praise:

let these be the content of your conversations and thoughts. All that you have had handed on to you, what you have heard from me and seen in me—put all this into practice; then the God of Peace will be with you!




2nd Advent
December 6, 2015
Philippians 4:1, 4:4-9

There is an old fable about a contest between the sun and the wind, over which of them could take off the cloak of a traveler on the road.  The wind blew, and blew harder, but the man just pulled his cloak tighter. When it was the sun’s turn, he shone warmer and warmer, until the man took off the cloak himself.

A steady warmth and gentleness often achieve more than forceful bluster. Gentleness lowers defenses. It leaves others free.

We are in the time when Christ is approaching human souls. He is like the sun – gentle and warm, encouraging. We can lower the cloak of our defenses and take in his light and warmth. And we can in turn kindly radiate them out to others. He is the source; we are the means, the channels. So in the words of Paul:


Let a gentle kindliness be evident toward all human beings you encounter. The Lord is near!