December 21st Advent Reflection

Romans 15:5-6

May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In a country and a world that seems so divided in recent years, wouldn’t it be a joy if we could live in harmony with one another? Harmony, in musical terms, is a “pleasant musical sound that is made by different notes being played or sung at the same time.” Another definition of harmony is “a situation in which people are peaceful and agree with one another, or when things seem right or suitable together.” (Cambridge Dictionary). We will have differences, like the different notes being sung together in harmony, but if we can agree to have a mindset like Christ Jesus, and we surrender to God by living a life of love and sacrifice, I believe that Paul is teaching us that we CAN live in harmony with one another and praise our God with one voice. Have you heard the song by Barry Manilow called “One Voice”? He may not have been thinking about this Bible verse when he wrote it, but it encourages me in my walk with Christ… “Just one voice, Singing in the darkness, All it takes is one voice, Singing so they hear what’s on your mind, And when you look around you’ll find, There’s more than one voice, Singing in the darkness… Hands are joined and fears unlocked… It takes that one voice, And everyone will sing!”

Dear Lord, I pray that you would continue to encourage us to strive to live in harmony with one another. Thank you for sending your son Jesus to be our example. Let us work diligently to sing together as one in the darkness in praise to You. Amen.

JAT