Thought for Wednesday 7 December

 Romans 12:15-16 (New Living Translation)

When others are happy, be happy with them.  If they are sad, share their sorrow.  Live in harmony with each other.  Don’t try to act important but enjoy the company of ordinary people.  And don’t think you know it all!

This whole chapter from the book of Romans gives us pointers as to how we should be living our lives as Christians and any time we are in any doubt whatsoever or need guidance, it is a good place to turn to.

Sometimes in dramas or stories or in tv shows, presbyterians are portrayed as cold, dull, severe and miserable.  If any of us do happen to fall into that category, we are certainly not following the teachings of Paul.  We need the company of ordinary people and when they are happy, we shouldn’t resent that, we should enjoy being happy with them and contribute to the happiness of others.

This is a time of year marked out for celebration.  The main reason should be due to remembering the birth of our saviour and his humble beginnings.  In these ‘modern times’ the true meaning of Christmas is not even a consideration for many folks which is a real shame because they are missing out on a God-given opportunity to experience something special ….. and it costs nothing.

This is also a time of year when those that have suffered a loss or have challenges to face feel it most keenly.  It can be difficult knowing what to do when you are aware of folks in this position.  Sometimes it seems impossible to find the words that you hope will take a little bit of the pain away.  As Paul writes, ‘if they are sad, share their sorrow’.  This doesn’t necessarily require words, sometimes it just means being there in silence and in love.

As far as not acting important and thinking we know it all.  What is important to some is completely unimportant to others, so I guess thinking we are important is a flawed process.  As far as knowing it all goes, I feel the older I get, the less I know.  Maybe that’s just a gift of wisdom that God gives you as you get older!

Prayer

Lord God, be with us as together, we face the wintry weather this season brings.  Help us be warm at home and help us bring the warmth of our Christian beliefs and demeanour to others during these challenging times.  Help us be aware of those who find the Christmas season difficult and help us just be there for them.      In your most gracious name.      Amen