The Week of Joy
At the birth of your Son, you whisper to our hearts, Father, as you fill us with the joy of our salvation. We thank you. Amen
Weekly Advent Prayers by Betty Claire Jackson
By Debby Murphy
Romans 12:9-12
When God called Mike and me to move to San Antonio two years ago, we didn’t know anyone here except our daughter and her family. Then we found Woodland and experienced the sincere love, devotion, and joyful hope that Paul highlights in Romans 12:9-12. People welcomed us, prayed for us, and invited us into their lives. We cherish the new friendships we have made.
With the birth of Jesus, God once again invited His people, all people, into a love relationship with Him and with each other. When Jesus ascended from our world, He left the mission to us to share with others the news of this incredible love relationship. As Christians, He equips us with the Holy Spirit who gives us the power of God and His resources to share the great message of salvation and envelop each other in love, patience, and kindness. God is love in action, and He invites us to join Him where He is already working so He can involve us in building His kingdom on earth and accomplishing His purpose.
Because God first seeks us, we are able to experience His infinite grace, love, and peace. As believers, our love for fellow Christians and others in our world is a manifestation of Christ’s love in us and gives us that satisfaction and joy of spirit as we respond to God’s call. And herein lies the potential. When we are so utterly loved by our Father, and when we find the sincere, accepting love of a community of believers such as at Woodland, we are blessed and eager to share and extend that love and service to others with the spiritual fervor Paul describes.