Scripture: Philippians 1:27
Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel. Do this, whether I come and see you or I’m absent and hear about you. Do this so that you stand firm, united in one spirit and mind as you struggle together to remain faithful to the gospel.
Thought for the Day: For the Apostle Paul to use the words “most important,” I am guessing that he believes it to be pretty important. In a time when there is intense emphasis on us as individuals, Paul reminds us that we (emphasis on the WE) are to live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel (Good News). Why would Paul emphasize the community over the individual? Maybe it’s because the community was for Paul the Body of Christ in the world. The original Body of Christ, in the form of an infant, was the Good News that angels announced, and it was this child whom the shepherds were to go and see. Upon arrival, they discovered the Good News enfleshed in an infant asleep in a makeshift cradle. This was God’s love taking on a body for the sake of the world, taking on a body through which this love we be made visible and tangible. This gospel or Good News remains impactful today through the Body of Christ we call the church. And if the body itself is not living in a worthy manner, then what is made visible and tangible will fail t point back to Emmanuel, the God of love taking on flesh and living among us.
Prayer: Whatever we do as a church, may it be worthy of all you have done, O Lord God. Empower us to continue to be an embodiment of the original Christmas event. Amen.
