Wednesday December 18, 2013
Colossians 3:12-14

Do you love musical harmony? Some of my favorite groups focus on tight harmonies that layer one voice upon another to create a uniquely recognizable sound. Even the simplest of harmonies can bring a smile to my face and lift my spirits. I wonder if that happens for you.

Outside of musical harmony I also find great joy in relational harmony. I love being with friends who seem to know what I am thinking. I enjoy people who have a sense of humor. Do you enjoy being around people who enjoy life? Harmony in relationship is a wonderful gift.

When I read our Advent passage for this day, I love that it ends in harmony. But I also love the spiritual and relational steps that lead us toward a spirit of working together as a team. The steps are simple but complex. It all starts with a spirit of holiness and then flows forward with a river of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and forgiveness. The river banks are shaped by the power of love to keep everything flowing together in harmony.

Then my mind shifted to a scene that included the faces of the people I love. I see them all gathered around a table that is overflowing with holiday abundance. Each one is seated in a place of honor and every person will be fed from the gifts of the Lord. In that scene, I hear our family prayer coming from Ana’s lips as we all link hands and bow our heads. “Dear Lord, thank you food, Jesus loves me. Amen”

Harmony with our family and friends begins with a Jesus who binds it all together in love. That is just one of the reasons we go back to Bethlehem! That is why the kids dress up as Mary, Joseph and the shepherds. That is why we draw close to the child in the manger. Because we are seeking harmony that begins with Jesus so it can flow in and through our lives.

How will you “harmonize” with the Lord today? Will you “sing a new song” with your family and friends?

Memory Verse Of The Week:

Colossians 3:12 NIV
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Missional Prayer Focus For Today:
Please pray for our youth ministry and the advance preparations that are already underway for our Middle School and Senior High mission experiences. Ask God’s blessing upon our youth, their leaders, and their families.