With The Heart of Jesus Christ

Today is the second Sunday in Advent, and we lighted a candle in honour of peace. As you may have seen in Korean news, South Korea’s president declared martial law, which was lifted it six hours later. However, martial law, which was implemented twice in South Korean history, has left lasting wounds on the people. This recent event disrupted the peace, stirred anxiety, and left many uncertain and panicked.

This incident reminds us of how fragile peace can be in our world. Consider peace while we anticipate the advent of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Peace is more than just the absence of conflict; it includes the presence of justice, mutual respect and compassion. Peace is the hope-filled spark that glows in the dark. During this Advent season, we declare peace with strong confidence and firmly hope that God’s inconceivable peace will permeate every corner of this world.

In seeking peace, we are reminded of the early Christian communities that worked continually to live out the gospel. One such community was the church in Philippi, which Paul established during his second missionary journey.

According to the book of Acts records that Paul healed a slave female who was under the spell of an evil spirit. However, this act angered her owners, who had been profiting from her condition, they forced Paul to leave the city. Despite the hardship Paul faced, the Philippian church flourished and kept a close relationship with Paul.

The Philippian church generously supported Paul, and in turn, Paul wrote to them with love and gratitude. Scholars generally agree that Paul penned this letter while imprisoned, likely in Ephesus. Despite his dire circumstances, people commonly refer to the letter as “the letter of joy,” filled with thanksgiving and hope.

Paul writes, “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you.” He is not paying attention to his own struggles or the unfairness of his situation. How is it that Paul, locked away in a prison that was so much tougher than anything we can picture today, could show such gratitude and joy? Was it just because the Philippians supported him? Was it because of their good relationship? Paul gives us the answer: his joy and thanksgiving stemmed from their partnership in the gospel from the very beginning.

Paul’s viewpoint offers us a valuable lesson. The things that bring us joy, gratitude, disappointment, or sorrow show us who we really are. It reflects what we hold dear to our hearts. Let me ask, think about what brings you joy and thankfulness. On the other hand, reflect on what causes feelings of despair or sadness. Our emotions—whether they’re happy or sad—often come up right away, before we even have a chance to think them through or sort them out. Our raw emotions show us what we truly cherish.

While being a prisoner for the sake of the gospel, Paul remains hopeful and does not let his situation bring him down. He doesn’t feel sad about his confinement, and he keeps his spirit. Rather, he blesses the Philippians who have joined him in the work of Christ.

In verse 6, he says, “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Christ Jesus.” For Paul, the value of life is not about physical health, wealth, or worldly comforts. Instead, it is about participating in the good work that God has begun, staying faithful until the end, and seeing that work brought to completion in Christ Jesus.

This is Paul cherished most for the Philippians—that they would remain steadfast in their partnership in the gospel and continue to grow in faith, love, and righteousness until the day of Christ.

This Advent season, as we reflect on Paul’s words, let us examine our own hearts. Jesus reminds us, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” What treasures are we holding onto? Are they earthly treasures that fade away, or heavenly treasures that endure?

To store treasures in heaven is to participate in God’s work, to love one another, and to live with the heart of Christ. It means encouraging one another, growing in knowledge and discernment, and bearing the fruits of righteousness. It means being sincere, without blame, and deeply cherishing one another in love. Like Paul, may we embrace the heart of Christ and inspire others to join us in God’s good work of love and peace.

Let us pray, Gracious God, as we journey through this Advent season, we reflect on Your word: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” We ask You to examine our hearts and reveal to us that we have treasured above all else. What are the things that guide us, Lord? What are the things that hinder us from fully embracing Your peace? Lord, may Your peace fill our hearts, not just as a passive presence, but as a force of transformation in our lives and the world.

In the Gospel of Luke, You call us to prepare the way of the Lord, to make His paths straight, and to fill in the valleys and level the mountains (Luke 3:1-6). Help us to make room for Christ in our hearts, removing the obstacles of selfishness, fear, and sin that block His way. Let our lives reflect the peace that only He can bring.

May we take this call seriously, Lord, and prepare a path for Your love and peace to reign in our hearts. As we store up treasures in heaven, may we work toward peace, love, and justice here on earth. Teach us to live with sincerity, compassion, and the heart of Christ, so that we may bear fruit for Your kingdom.

We pray for Your peace to fill not only our hearts but also our world, especially in the places of conflict and brokenness. Help us to be agents of Your peace, to speak and act with justice, and to live out Your calling to love our neighbours as ourselves.

In the name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen.