REMINDER: Today is the tenth day in our journey through the 12 days of Christmas (December 25 – January 5). It takes some patience to make our way through these days, but it was said that though patience can be difficult to grow, the fruit it bears is well worth the effort.
Scripture: James 1:17-20
Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures. You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness.
Thought for the Day: John’s Gospel speaks of the word of truth being born into the world through Jesus, but James takes it further when this word of truth births us into the lives God wishes us to live – lives that are quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. For many of us, these are qualities that do not come easy. That’s the reason James suggests that these qualities require a sort of birthing of a new self. As you celebrate the birth of Christ into your life this year, are you ready to send out postcards announcing the arrival of a new self? Would anyone even notice that you’re expectant with these qualities?
Prayer: Gracious God, I appeal to you that the celebration of Christ’s birth is also the celebration of something good and beautiful being born within me, something that will impact the world for your sake. Amen.
