Today is the Twelfth (and final) Day of Christmas
Readings for Morning Prayer, December 5th: Year 2
Morning, Psalms 2 and 110:1to5; Eve of the Epiphany, Psalms 29 and 98:
Joshua 2:2 to 9; Ephesians 6:10 to 20; John 11:17 to 27 and 38 to 44:
“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6: 14 to 17)
St Paul has placed many gifts under our Christmas Tree right before it’s taken down; the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes for walking the Gospel, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. Wow, he has given us many last day Christmas gifts.
Given that all these gifts are items that we wear, this is what it truly means to dress for success; spiritual success. And unlike our Christmas tree, this spiritual suit is ongoing. It says to the world who we are. Just as we might judge others by what they choose to wear, we too are judged by what we choose to wear. In a more literal sense, I prefer the western or cowboy look for its comfort and freedom to work hard if necessary. I am often seen in clergy collar or suits for special occasions. All can identify who I am. Our material clothing says something about who we are, or what we choose to look like to others, Our spiritual clothing speaks to God and informs God of the path we are taking to heaven. This earthly covering is temporary; our spiritual garb is forever.
Above all, let us take the Word of God as our guiding light forever. Merry Christmas: Day 12
“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done” (Genesis 2:1 and 2). So, for this evening and tomorrow day my friends, Shabbat Shalom.
What is Shabbat? Intro to the Jewish Sabbath – YouTube
Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Palestine and our schools.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
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