Joy With the Rising Sun- Friday, December 22nd

WEEK THREE: JOY WITH THE RISING SUN

Radiant Birthday Candles

Ephesians 3:18-21 (NRSV)

I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

I think that no matter how old we are, at each birthday we are surprised that another year has passed so quickly! We are thankful for another year and all of the blessings we have received during that time. But, if you’re like me, we may wonder just how many cakes and candles we will get to have. With each passing year, the realization that life is short creates an urgency that I need to DO something worthwhile before I leave this earthly life.

These verses bless me, because I am reassured that Christ’s “power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine!” God will use each of us abundantly- we just have to allow God to do so. God will work in us according to God’s purposes- we only have to get out of the way. God’s idea of abundance doesn’t have to mean lots of tasks and lists, but sharing lots of love and care. We will be filled with all the fullness of God, simply by knowing that we are loved deeply and completely. We find joy in knowing that we have been created by God, that God has a purpose for us, and that God’s love within us is all we need in order to live abundantly.

Joy radiates when we allow God’s love to fill us and God’s power to work in us.