By Dan Jean
Galatians 5:22‐23
“‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” I would be surprised if you haven’t heard these words already this season. They come from a beloved poem by Clement Clarke Moore and paint a romantic portrait of the power of Christmas to warm our hearts. This wonderful poem captures the preparation, imagination, and excitement that point to the arrival of Christmas, revealed in a flash to be St. Nicholas and his team on the new fallen snow. “The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.”
The fruits in today’s passage from Galatians are not exactly sugarplums. The Apostle Paul writes this letter to challenge controversy in the early church. His clear tone shows how important it is for people to embrace unity in Christ, no matter their differences. Paul describes a tree laden with fruits worthy of our dreams and visions. Can anything possibly be wrong with such fruits as these?
Love. Joy. Peace. These words so often describe Christmas. The faithfulness of family and friends bring kindness and goodness. Patience and self-control soothe stresses of the season – most of the time. Paul gives us both beautiful words and worthy ideals. Take a moment to receive Paul’s gift. These fruits are a clear vision of life in the Spirit of Christ. Tonight as you close your eyes and imagine the best Christmas can offer, let Paul’s fruits inspire and delight you. “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”