Scripture Readings: Philippians 1: 3 -11 & Luke 3: 1 – 6
When we know that someone is thinking of us or praying for us, our hearts will be warmed, encouraged, and filled with joy. Bill Lawrence, a professor and a theologian, once said, “Happiness is based on happenings, but joy comes from relationships.” The Philippians, who laboured and worked with Paul in the cause of Christ, gave him much joy.
Paul had first preached the gospel to the Philippians about 10 years earlier, and his appreciation and love for them had grown over the years. The Philippian Christians had supported him since they had trusted Christ as their Saviour during Paul’s ministries and efforts among them from his second missionary journey until the present. Paul expresses his deep thankfulness to God for the Philippians’ partnership in spreading the gospel. The partnership in the gospel caused Paul’s joy. May we reflect on and give thanks for those who have supported us in our faith journey.
In verse 6, Paul assures that the work God has begun in us will be completed. When God starts a work in our lives, He will finish it. Therefore, it is important that we have confidence in God’s work. This is the mindset that prepares us for the coming of the Lord. May we grow in the Christian life becoming more like Christ each day. This is called sanctification. Spiritual growth should continue in committed believers until the day of Christ Jesus, that is until Christ returns to the earth. Let us trust in God’s transformative work in our lives and in our communities.
In verse 10, Paul prays for their love to abound in knowledge and depth of insight, enabling them to discern what is best. Christian love must be rooted in wisdom from God’s Word if we are to love both God and people in greater ways. May we pray and discern together for growth in love and wisdom to make choices that honour God.
In verse 11, he also prays for the Philippians to be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Christ. Paul’s prayer for abounding love and righteousness aligns with John’s call to repentance and readiness for the Lord. May we aim to live a life that reflects God’s glory and righteousness.
Luke 3 provides historical background for John the Baptist’s ministry, demonstrating that God’s call comes in real-life circumstances.
God speaks to us in our current realities. John’ public ministry from chapter 3 suggests a focus on Jesus’ public ministry is very soon to come.
John proclaims a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, preparing people for Christ’s arrival. His call to prepare the way invites us to reflect on the need for repentance and readiness in our hearts for Christ’s work. We are not perfect, but we can be confident in the Lord when we are involved in God’s work because God works and accomplishes. The way we wait and prepare for the Lord’s coming, even if there is no immediate visible outcome, is still a way and called process.
In verses 4 to 6, we can meet the fulfillment of prophecy. The quote from Isaiah highlights John’s mission to prepare the way of the Lord, making paths straight for all people to see God’s salvation. In the preparation for the coming of the Lord, may we participate in removing obstacles in our lives and communities that hinder others from experiencing God’s grace.
There are some connection points between today’s Scripture readings.
Just as Paul is thankful for the Philippians’ partnership, we are called to prepare our hearts with gratitude for the coming of Christ. Philippians emphasizes God’s ongoing work in us and through us, while Luke invites us to actively prepare and participate in God’s salvation plan.
Today we lit the second candle of Advent, the candle of peace, for the preparation for Christ’s coming. Both Paul’s letter to the Philippians and the message of John the Baptist point us to the peace that comes from God and how we are called to prepare and participate in it. Peace is more than the absence of conflict; it is a state of harmony with God, ourselves, and others.
Paul begins his letter with thanksgiving, highlighting the joy and peace that come from a community united in purpose. His confidence in God’s work brings reassurance and peace to the Philippians. Peace grows when we express gratitude for others and trust in God’s faithfulness. How can we foster peace by being thankful and working together in the mission of the gospel? May we foster peace through daily gratitude and harmony in our beautiful faith communities.
Paul prays for love to abound, leading to discernment, purity, and righteousness. These qualities create a foundation for lasting peace. Peace is not passive; it requires growth in love and active pursuit of what is right. In what ways can our love and choices bring peace into our relationships and communities? May we share peace through growth in love and righteousness.
As seen in Luke 3, John the Baptist calls for repentance to prepare for Christ’s coming, described as making paths straight and smoothing rough ways. This preparation opens the way for God’s peace to reach all people. True peace comes when we remove the obstacles of sin and brokenness, allowing God’s salvation and His peace to enter our lives. Are there still barriers in our lives that need to be cleared to make way for God’s peace?
The prophecy from Isaiah concludes with the promise that “all people will see God’s salvation.” This salvation brings ultimate peace – a reconciliation between humanity and God through Christ. The peace we prepare for is not just personal but universal, as God’s salvation is for all. How can we be instruments of God’s peace, ensuring others experience His saving grace? Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, has given us the gift of reconciliation between God and us through His ‘coming’. We are remined of Christ’s call to be peacemakers.
In today’s texts, peace begins with gratitude, grows in love, and is made visible through preparation and action. Philippians encourages us to find our peace in God’s faithfulness, whereas Luke challenges us to actively prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. As we live in this Advent season, may we embody and share the peace that only Christ can bring. What steps can we take this week to prepare our hearts and communities for the peace of Christ?
There are many unpredictable things happening in the world, and there are still tragic pains and losses and peace-shattering violence. May the peace of Christ reach and be shared with them and us. We can rest in the fact that God is with us even in our difficult times. May we walk a steady faith journey and prepare for the coming of the Lord even in the perplexing problems by trusting God. A Christ-centred, eternal perspective brings joy, and proper view produces praise.
God is at work in us, the glory and praise belong not to us but to God. May all of our choices in Christ be God-glorifying, mutually uplifting, and life-saving choices, and may we live with the discernment the Lord gives us in this messy, dark, and tempting world. For the coming of the Lord and His peace, may we hold steadfast in prayer, trusting that the Holy Spirit can move in even the most difficult circumstances.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)