advent day five

Do everything without grumbling or  arguing. Then you will be the pure and innocent children of God. You live among people who are crooked and evil, but you must not do anything that they can say is wrong. Try to shine as lights among the people of this world, as you hold firmly to the message which gives life.

Philippians 2: 14, 15

Shining like stars

This passage from Philippians is easier to read backwards. After all, we know we grumble and argue too much, and somehow it’s worse this time of year– so much to do, so many things to organize, it’s not surprising we get tired and irritable. So what’s the solution?

Look at what we are called to be– shining lights among the people of this world. And how are we to be like that? By being pure and innocent children of God. That verse holds both a promise and a challenge– for it is a great privilege to be able to call the Master Architect of Christmas our Father. We know that He loves us as his children, and that challenges us to live as his children, pure and innocent. Which gets us back to the no grumbling and arguing part. So next time you feel grumpy words about to come out of your mouth, or feel a frown of annoyance begin to form on your brow, stop for a moment and in your mind’s eye picture yourself shining  like a star, or a candle on a dark night. Don’t let any soot get onto the glass of your lantern and dim that light– for the world needs those who are pure and innocent

Not in that poor lowly stable

with the oxen standing round,
we shall see him; but in heaven,
set at God's right hand on high;
when like stars his children crowned,
all in white shall wait around.

Shining like stars