Author Guisewite suggests, "Let us make our lives a Christmas tree upon which every bough hang ornaments that reflect God's generous love." That made me think about what those ornaments could be.
The verses for today mention a gentle and quiet spirit, or in another translation, purity and respect of conduct.
In Galatians 5:22-23, the fruits of the spirit are listed as love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
What actions can we take in our everyday lives so that the most attention-getting things about us are those spiritual "ornaments that reflect God's generous love"?
I like the idea of each of us being like a Christmas tree, adorned with ornaments of the fruits of the spirit. I need a picture or something with those attributes written down so that I can be reminded to focus on one of these in my life each new day in a kind of mindful way.
Today we started our Advent calendar. A simple beige felt star with 24 little pockets. Only Christmas pegs attached to the pocket and a little bear in the next pocket showing the way to Christmas. On 24 we put baby Jesus in the last pocket. Every year I have progressively simplified my Christmas ornaments' display to try to focus on Jesus. Our new next door neighbors (a much younger couple than us) will be on their own for Christmas as we will too. So, we are planning a surprise invitation to share hot chocolate and 'brioche' with them on 24.
True confession--I read today's devotional as I took a break from online shopping for "adornments." The reading made me swivel my attention away from what stays on the outside to what shines outward from the inside. I felt a bit of stress relief in that moment.
Every time I see a cologne advertisement this season, I want to remind myself of II Corinthians 2:15, which says we are to be the "pleasing aroma of Christ." I think acts of kindness will leave a most pleasant lingering fragrance.