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What would be an adequate thanksgiving to offer God for all the joy we experience before him because of you? We do what we can, praying away, night and day, asking for the bonus of seeing your faces again and doing what we can to help when your faith falters. May God our Father himself and our Master Jesus clear the road to you! And may the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around you, just as it does from us to you. May you be infused with strength and purity, filled with confidence in the presence of God our Father when our Master Jesus arrives with all his followers. (Thessalonians 3:9-13 The Message)
I remember my first visit to Sea World. It was quite the experience, especially when we saw the Killer Whale show. As were sought seats we were told we should be careful not to sit in the Splash Zone for we would get wet. I saw those excitedly walking towards where we were told not to sit. But once I saw the show, remember how hot the day was, I thought, "Those folks knew exactly what they wanted, and they got it!" They saw the show, got a refreshing splash of cold water and can now stay cool for a bit.
Advent is about love. God showed His love for the world, as John 3:16 so beautifully shares, in sending His only begotten Son, Jesus our Lord. We prepare to remember that first arrival, we continue to do the work before us as we await the coming of the Son again. Paul's words share that his joy was being with those who loved the Lord and who had come to faith in the work he shared among them. He said it was Thanksgiving Day all the time when he thought about them, and had made it part of his prayer to see these brothers and sisters again. He prayed that God would open the road that led to a reunion with them. But, what I love about this passage is his reference to love: "And may the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around you, just as it does from us to you. May you be infused with strength and purity, filled with confidence in the presence of God our Father when our Master Jesus arrives with all His followers."
There should be a Splash Zone around us! We should be so filled with love that those who come near us will be splashed with the overflowing love that God is pouring into our hearts; and that love can serve to bring strength to us to continue our work for the Lord with joyful and grateful hearts. Our prayers will serve to bring us purity and confidence to continue the work of reaching those not yet reached. And when He does return, what a joyous reunion it will be with Jesus and those who followed Him.
Dear friend, God loves you enough to pour out His love on you; love God back by splashing that love on others.
PRAYER: Loving God, pour out a double portion of love on me, and let me splash that love out on those who are foreign to such displays of love. Help me gain strength and purity to make ready those who love You for Your return to the earth. In the meantime, there is room in my heart for You, Lord Jesus; in Thy name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
