By Karen Calhoun
Philippians 4:4‐7
Advent is a season of inward preparation. Advent is the work of the soul. Paul gives us the instructions in Philippians 4:4-7. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Inward preparation involves LETTING GO. We see that in Mary’s SURRENDER to God’s messenger Angel Gabriel. When she did not have answers for how it would happen, she trusted God’s answers and said, “I am ready to serve.”
Inward preparation requires SILENCE. Her worry and fret about the mystery disappeared in her prayers as she let God know her concerns. Paul tell us that when we also get silent and talk to Him and praise Him, God’s wholeness comes and settles us down. When we are silent and listening, he replaces worry with praise. (Phrases from The Message)
Inward preparation also ALLOWS HIS BIRTH TO OCCUR AGAIN in our heart and soul. Time and time again. We can be so dulled by superficial distractions that we are incapable of hearing any voice within, let alone listening to it.
Take a “selfie” of yourself. Are you LETTING GO? Do you see yourself bathed in SILENCE? I pray your focus reveals Jesus BEING BORN ANEW in you.