Monday, December 14: Ephesians 6:10
Ephesians 6:10: “Be strong in the Lord, and in His mighty power.” William Blake: “He is meek and He is mild; He became a little child.”
The scripture passage for this week of Joy is incredibly affirming to us as Christians. If we are only to be strong in our faith in Christ all will be well.
But Blake, in his famous poem “The Lamb,” reminds us the Christ himself left his heavenly home and submitted to being a human, with all the frailties and needs that we all face in our earthly travels.
During this season of Joy, I am reminded that we need each other. Yes, Ephesians tell us to “be strong,” but it does not say “be super-human.” Of course, the love of Christ is stronger than anything we can imagine, and if we trust that we will find peace. But the love of Christ also includes those around us who are part of our community and our culture, and Christ has put them there specifically to exemplify the love of Christ. It is seen through the gift of a hug, through the look of understanding, through the prayers on our behalf, and in many other ways.
I think Christ modeled this in his life; he allowed earthly parents to care for him and raise him; he allowed friends to care for him during his ministry; he depended on his friends during his greatest hours of need. Remember, Christ was human, too.
“Be strong,” my friends, by letting others know your needs, by helping others in their time of need, and for being open to the possibility that you can do greater things through Christ if you join with others to do so.
Be joyful this Advent season in knowing that the strength Christ gives you through your faith is manifested in many different ways.
Jim Vernon