Many of us harbor a longing that maybe this year, just maybe, we will have what they call a "Merry Christmas." How often we have wished that for others knowing full well it all too often escapes our grasp.
In this letter to the Phillippians, Paul voices a longing. It is a poignant longing, since he is in prison. He writes this: "For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus." (v.8). Paul yearns to be with his sisters and brothers who had supported him and encouraged him. He remembers with deep thanksgiving how they had shared "in the gospel from the first day until now." He is confident that they "hold me in your heart."
This is a close and lovely bond of affection between Paul and the Phillippian Christians. And so he prays that "your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight." He hopes that in the day of Christ, "you may be pure and blameless." Perhaps Paul gives us some insight into what to hope for one another this Advent season-something deeply rooted in the love of Christ.
Gracious God, we long for a peace that passes all understanding this Advent season. We pray that your mysterious peace may rest upon those we love and upon the whole world. O God of our hopes, grant us "Peace on earth." Amen.
Frank Yates (MDiv'75, DMin'84)
President, Austin Seminary Association Board;
Pastor, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church,
Albequerque, New Mexico
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