In a world filled with anxiety, depression, and consumerism, it’s easy to wrap ourselves in the wrong things. This week’s sermon invites us to reflect on what we choose to wrap ourselves in and how clarity—rather than certainty—can guide our faith journey.
We often wrap ourselves in various identities and roles: doctors in their robes, ministers in their stoles, or even in the consumerism that defines the holiday season. These wrappings can become burdensome, much like the yoke of ordination can feel for ministers. The question we must ask ourselves is: What are you wrapping yourself in? Is it joy, anxiety, or something else?
The sermon introduces a powerful metaphor: a "Team Jesus" uniform. Just as a uniform represents belonging and purpose, we can choose to wrap ourselves in joy and clarity. Take, for example, the flamingo—an iconic symbol of Florida, despite not being native to the state. In the same way, Christ, who came from elsewhere, has become our identity. The pink candle, lit on the third Sunday of Advent, symbolizes joy—a unique and purposeful choice, much like the joy we are invited to wrap ourselves in.
In Luke 2:15-21, we see the shepherds’ response to the angels’ message. They moved with haste, not because they had certainty, but because they had clarity. The angels gave them a purpose, even though they had no assurance of what they would find. This clarity drove them to witness the birth of Christ, and it compelled them to share what they had seen and heard.
The sermon encourages us to share our own moments of clarity. Just as the shepherds testified about their experience, we, too, are called to share the times when God’s presence was undeniable in our lives. These moments of clarity can inspire and strengthen the faith of those around us, offering encouragement and hope to our community.
Clarity allows us to move forward even when we don’t have all the answers. It inspires integrity and purpose, unlike certainty, which can be rigid and inflexible. Doubt, as we learn, is not the enemy of faith. Instead, it is unchecked certainty that can hinder spiritual growth. Clarity, however, helps us embrace the unknown with trust and confidence in God.
Consider Mary, the mother of Jesus. In the midst of uncertainty, she treasured all these things in her heart (Luke 2:19). Mary didn’t have all the answers, but she had clarity. This clarity allowed her to care for her child and move forward with quiet faith and purpose. In our own lives, we must learn to pause, reflect, and prioritize so we can gain clarity in what truly matters.
Life Application
Embrace Clarity This Week. Challenge yourself to embrace clarity over certainty. Take time to reflect on the moments when God’s presence was undeniable in your life. Share those moments with others to inspire and strengthen their faith.
Questions to Ponder
What are you currently wrapping yourself in? Is it joy, anxiety, or something else?
Can you recall a moment when you clearly felt God’s presence? Share it.
How can you prioritize clarity in your daily life and spiritual journey?
By focusing on clarity, we can navigate our faith journey with integrity, purpose, and joy—even in the face of uncertainty. May you choose to wrap yourself in the joy that comes from clarity this week, trusting that God has prepared wonderful things for you.
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