Spirit-Tending in the Fast LaneThis monthly meditation is sponsored by the Spiritual Formation Ministry. We hope it will be a useful tool for staying connected to Spirit in the midst of the busyness of life, to stop and remember who and what matters.
May we suggest that prior to reading the meditation you take a couple of deep breaths, allowing your body to relax and unwind. Then begin reading slowly, giving time for the words to take hold.
December is gone and with it the preparation for and celebration of the coming of Christ, his coming not only into our world, but into our individual lives. Unless we acknowledge and claim Christ in a personal way, as a life-giving, spirit-renewing presence within us, we miss the true meaning of Christmas.
The image of God as a tiny baby coming to be with us in the world is a powerful one. That image of smallness being born in us, as individuals, is even more powerful. A small seed of new presence within us brings the potential for growth. In Isaiah 43:18-19a reads, “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”
January always brings thoughts of and plans for new beginnings. In this New Year, we can resolve to nurture the spirit of Christ within us, as well as around us, through the regular practice of prayer, worship, Bible study and reflection. These practices are how we grow in the image of Christ and continually prepare ourselves to take the Good News into the world.
Reflective Moment: What small seed, new thing, is God calling you to nurture this year? How is Christ’s image within you seeking to be renewed?
Prayer Moment: God, in this New Year, show me where you want me to grow in my relationship with you. Help me to make my relationship with you a priority in my life by seeking out ways to nurture and sustain it so as to better be your person in the world. Amen.