22nd. December. 2020. Daily Devotion.

¹⁰ I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:10-13

The Fir Tree is a Christmas story written by Hans Christian Andersen. This sad tale has a melancholy flavour of the life of a gloomy little fir tree. The moral of the story is to remind us to be content right here and right now, instead of losing precious time on dreaming.

The story tells of a little fir tree growing in the forest. He hears stories of adventures beyond his little space in the woods. He says within himself, “Oh If only . . ?” He wants to be bigger. He wants to be taller. He wants to see sights. He wants anything but here and now. He is advised many times in the story to be content in his present state and circumstances; however, he does not heed this advice and wastes his time wishing for something else.

I wonder how much time we have wasted on “If Only”? “If only Christmas were here,” or, “If only Christmas were over.”  How often do we wish our lives away in anticipation of something yet to come?

So, what is the secret learned in this scripture to being content in all circumstances? I think the secret is this: If we are too busy being grateful to God for the here and now, that leaves no time to waste on wishful thinking. Give your “If onlys” to Christ and learn to be content with the now. Adapted from J. Calvert

Thank you, Lord for this very moment. Through Christ I pray, Amen.

Praise

O thou who coverest thy high places with the waters,
Who settest the sand as a bound to the sea
And dost uphold all things:
The sun sings thy praises,
The moon gives thee glory,
Every creature offers a hymn to thee,
His author and creator, for ever. Amen.  Old Eastern Orthodox chant.

For the Day’s Work

O God, who orders all things in heaven and earth: Help me to go about the tasks and duties of this day with the remembrance that I am your servant therein. Make me honest, painstaking, and cheerful, and grant that all I do and say may bring good to others and glory to your Holy Name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

You challenge us this Advent time
This season of preparation
To put aside our pride
And understand our need
For repentance
Forgiveness
And mercy
Less of self,
More of you
Preparation for our journey
To the stable and beyond
Purify our hearts
Sanctify our lives
That we might serve you
Faithfully this day and all days. Amen

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