Saving Energy

Scripture

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”  (Philippians 4:8-9NLT)  

Saving Energy 

“What are ya doing? Trying to heat the whole town? Close the door!”   We’ve heard that or maybe even said it when heat is pouring out if someone leaves a door open on a cold day. William Wordsworth was more elegant in his lines; The world is too much with us; late and soon, Getting and spending, we lay waste our power.  

We are conscious not to waste power in our energy sector, but we can waste our spiritual powers, our powers of insight and discernment without some purposeful turning toward the light of the good news. In our annual “Prayers for Advent 2023” we are encouraged to find light in the dark places of life as we cry for peace, trusting that God hears us. A printable version is available at this link. 

We purposefully sharpen our senses of wonder, wisdom, and discernment as we remind ourselves of the mystery of Jesus in skin and bone becoming one of us, making God’s home with humanity.  

This card points to the early characters of the story that we continue to live out today. They were normal humans who faced life with hope as they were caught up in God’s cosmic plan of redemption. In a very tough world they found wonder and beauty, kindness and love. Let’s do the same. 

A Prayer for Today

Lord, I admit that I often feel inadequate, in spite of your promises. Often, I hold back. Help me to take the risks of faith, to be aware of your affirming presence in my life. Now, in Advent, sharpen my spirit and my senses, and enable me to pay attention to the moments of God-radiance when you ask me to look and listen. (Lucy Shaw in God With Us, Greg Pennoyer)