From Watch for the Light – Readings for Advent and Christmas
(Excerpted and adapted from a Christmas sermon by Martin Luther)
Therefore since you have received enough and become rich, you have no other commandment than to serve Christ and render obedience to him. Direct your works that they may be of benefit to your neighbor, just as the works of Christ are of benefit to you. For this reason Jesus said at the Last Supper: "This is my commandment that ye love one another; even as I have loved you." Here it is seen that he loved us and did everything for our benefit, in order that we may do the same, not to him, for he needs it not, but to our neighbor. This is his commandment, and this is our obedience. Christ helps us so we in return help our neighbor, and all have enough. ~Martin Luther
So “all have enough”. What a wonderful focus to have as we carry the Christmas spirit into the new year. Time for another cup of coffee and some thoughts on how I can best keep this commandment in my daily comings and goings.
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Off to get my 2nd cup and think on these things - well, not think only, but off to help my neighbors at work! And as I work for them they bless me too, and we all have enough!
ReplyDelete"And as I work for them they bless me too, and we all have enough!"
ReplyDeleteI like that thought, Karin! Thanks!
I know so many people that are suffering through hard times, it just doesn't feel right to spend money frivolously. Whenever, I'm tempted to buy something on impulse, I walk it around the store in my cart, the usually put it back and go home and send a check to charity. I've even given up my shoe addiction!
ReplyDeleteJane