Advent Day 7 Philippians 2:1-3

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:1-3 ESV)

Paul was such a great writer. Having been completely transformed after seeing Christ and hearing Him speak, and once the scales were lifted from his eyes by Ananias, Paul belonged to Christ. Once, Paul wanted nothing more than to wipe out every memory of Christ and what had come to be called Christianity. If there were a way to fill himself even more with Jesus, Paul would have done it.

Jesus came to serve, not to be served. Born into the only thing Jesus had to give was love and mercy. Loving the unloved, healing the sick, and raising the dead were all produced from His love and His mercy. What we should take to heart is that He did not come to the rich and powerful; Jesus came to be of service to the sick, the lame, and the despised. Even His disciples encompassed the poor, the despised, the zealous, and sinners.

This Advent, let us remember that the infant born in Bethlehem was and is our living God. On earth, he was full of grace and mercy, and in heaven, He wields both, seated at the right hand of the Father.

Paul reminds us to be a reflection of Christ. In our modeling of our Savior, we can find all of his goodness in our lives. Let us not be selfish nor conceited, but let us be giving and humble. Let us see the good in others and keep a mind of service. Take that action to help someone you would not usually help. Buy that person on the street corner a meal, hand it to them, and pray with them. Ask them their name. Being alone for a long time, it may take them a minute to remember it. Make them feel like a person again. These are the actions of Christ. This is placing others before yourself. One act of goodness can change someone’s life.

The Magi, foreign Kings, brought gifts to a poor child in a manger, and they worshipped Him. Coming from afar with limited knowledge of this “King”, yet they had faith. They had faith that in what they believed was a gift of knowledge given to them. Their faith, despite their limited understanding, led them to the Christ child, demonstrating the power of faith in guiding us to God.

Paul's encounter with Jesus was a turning point that transformed him from a persecutor of Christians to one of the greatest apostles. His faith in Christ was a powerful force that changed his life. If you find yourself lacking in faith, reach out to Jesus. Cry out to Him to save you from your sins. By His grace, you too can find faith, and in Him, you will find salvation.

Advent Prayer Day 6

Dear Lord,

Help us overcome the flaws of our nature. Please help us to be patient and Kind.

Please help us to be loving and place

others before ourselves.

Please help us to be merciful and serve those in need, and may we grow in our faith as we do so.

Lord, only you can change the heart of stone to a heart of flesh.

May our actions this Advent season open the door for others to come to salvation in Your name.

We, as believers, have the power to spread the message of Your love and grace. Let us use this power responsibly and with love, so that others may also find their way to You.

In our prayers, we hold on to our faith and hope, knowing that they are powerful forces that can move mountains.

We pray in Jesus' name, Amen