Third Tuesday of Advent
Daily Advent Readings & Meditation
December 19, 2023
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Today’s Texts:

Galatians 5:22-26: The fruit of the Spirit including love as a central attribute.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14: Steadfast faith and love, reflects spiritual strength and courage.

Galatians 5:22-26

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

Today’s Meditation:   In Galatians, Paul lists the fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are not just virtues to aspire to; they are the very essence of a life touched by the Spirit. They are the markers of a journey transformed by faith. Similarly, in Corinthians, Paul encourages us to stand firm in faith and do everything in love. These scriptures together call us to a life that is deeply rooted in the Spirit, where our actions and interactions are reflections of divine love and faithfulness. Today, let us strive to embody these fruits, letting them guide our thoughts, words, and deeds, and bring light to those around us.

Something to Think and Pray About:

1. How can you more fully embody the fruits of the Spirit in your everyday life?
2. In what ways can steadfast faith and love manifest in your interactions and decisions?

A Prayer For Today:  Divine Spirit, guide us this Advent to live by Your fruits – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Help us to stand firm in faith, doing all things with love. May our lives reflect Your grace and lead us to act with compassion and understanding in all our endeavors. Amen.