By Sharon Harbottle, Local Preacher, Bolton Circuit
Reading : Philippians 4 v. 6 – 7
Notes:
As we approach the mid-point of Advent and transition from week 2 to 3, we expand our search for purpose and meaning in the richness of scripture, the keeping of traditions and the application of the teaching and experience in our daily lives.
St Paul writing from the restrictions, harshness and deprivation of prison encourages the church in Philippi, and therefore us , the readers, not to be ‘anxious about anything’, but rather ‘through prayer and thankful supplication’ to make our requests to God, and that this will lead to peace beyond our comprehension, that will ‘guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.’
For those of us who, at this time of year, worry about what to wear or eat, where to go, what invitations to accept, the reassurance of the power of prayer about anything and everything, surely gives us peace in our minds. Dare we believe this? -that nothing is too small for God , even Christmas decorations! Can we let go of our obsessions that hold us, and let God free us from our prison, granting us liberating peace?
December 12 is the Day of the Poinsettia plant, marking the anniversary of the death of the botanist Poinsett who cultivated this plant from the natural habitat into the potted version we use for decoration. The star shaped leaves have earned it the name ‘Christmas Star’ and it is often used to decorate homes and churches, usually being placed significantly near the altar, in front of the cross. Physically, and theologically one moves through the birth of Jesus, signified by the plants, towards the death of Christ on the cross, and on to the resurrection, because the beauty of the poinsettia is that it blooms only after being in reduced sunlight ( florists force this through use of dark rooms to ensure vibrant flowers or bracts). It is a symbol of life, of light , that darkness has not overcome its beauty and it points the way to believing in Jesus.
There is a traditional story from Mexico told on this day, that a poor girl called Pepita had nothing to take to the Christmas Eve service to give to Jesus at the crib. As she walked to church she saw weeds or common plants , gathered them (some say an angel prompted her), and placed them at the manger whereupon they burst into bloom.
Whatever we give to our Lord is transformed, as we are too. Nothing is too humble or small to offer him. All that we have is his and has been provided for us to share. In the same way no issues , worries or concerns in our lives are insignificant to God, and he is longing to give us his peace.
Prayer:
Lord God who welcomes us with open arms, take my worries, my concerns and all that distracts me from Jesus. Guard and protect me, make me whole; give me your peace that I may radiate your love through the power of the Life-Light in me. Amen