I Thessalonians 5:16-24

Not that you need reminding...Christmas is only ten days away.  There is simply too much to do.  Even when we try to simplify the season, our "to-do" lists overflow with parties to attend, presents to buy, sermons to write, and the list goes on and on and on.  As soon as we manage to cross off an item, we remember five more things we've forgotten we needed to do.  Our days are dictated by our "to-do" lists.

Upon first reading today's passage, it seems only to add to the list of things we must accomplish.  Paul gives us a list of tasks we will never complete.  Eventually Christmas potlucks wind down, but we'll never be able to cross off "pray without ceasing."  Write a sermon...no problem.  Rejoice always...I'll never have the satisfaction of crossing that one off my  list.

Thankfully, this isn't a list that defines what we do, it is a list that defines what kind of people we are to become.  It is a list that must be continually read with verse 24 in mind.  Like the season of Advent in which we anticipate the joyful return of Christ, we look to the end of this passage to sustain us in the present.  Rejoice always...the one who calls you is faithful.  Pray without ceasing...the one who calls you is faithful.  Write sermons, attend parties, and buy some presents...remembering that the one whose birth we celebrate, and whose return we anticipate, is truly faithful.

God of peace, you promise to sanctify us, to keep us sound and blameless.  As we remember the one who came, and promises to come again, may we be constantly reminded that you are faithful.  In the busyness of this season make us mindful of the people you want us to become.  Amen.

Joseph Moore

Senior Student from Austin, Texas