Show Notes
In this week following Christmas, Case reflects on the profound implications of Christ’s birth for our lives, and how we can clothe ourselves with virtues such as compassion, kindness, and humility.
Nuance’s Formed for Formation is a weekly liturgy to encourage all of us to be faithful to Christ in the public square. Join Case Thorp as he follows the Church calendar through the reading of Scripture, prayer, and short reflections on faith in all facets of public life.
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Episode Transcript
In the glow of Christmas, we reflect on the profound implications of Christ’s birth for our lives and for the world. Reformed theology emphasizes the importance of living out our faith in all areas of life, including the public square. As we continue to celebrate the birth of our Savior, let’s consider how His life and teachings call us to engage with the world around us, seeking justice, mercy, and peace.
A reading from the book of Colossians chapter three, beginning in verse 12:
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance to get someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you, and over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace and be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs of the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
In Colossians 3, Paul provides a beautiful blueprint for cultivating peaceful relationships, particularly in environments where collaboration and unity are essential, such as the workplace. He calls believers to clothe themselves with virtues like compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Do you clothe yourselves with such virtues each morning when you’re getting dressed for work?
Have you ever even considered doing so? These qualities are crucial in fostering peace with coworkers. Compassion helps us understand the struggles of others, while kindness promotes an atmosphere of mutual respect. Humility allows us to value others’ contributions without arrogance, and patience reminds us to endure differences and challenges with grace. By embodying these traits, we create an environment where peace thrives. By living these virtues, we become the Jesus some people will ever know. I want you to try something. Write down the virtues of this passage on a Post-it note. Place it on a mirror in your bathroom. As you dress for work, figuratively put on forgiveness and love. Put on forgiveness and a commitment to unity. Paul urges believers to quote, forgive as the Lord forgave you and to put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
In the workplace, misunderstandings, competition, or unmet expectations can lead to tension. However, when forgiveness becomes a practice, grievances lose their power to divide. Love acts as the glue that holds diverse teams together, enabling individuals to work collaboratively toward shared goals, even amidst differing opinions. Finally, notice how Paul encourages letting the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. So many things rule our hearts. Does Jesus rule yours? His peace serves as an inner compass guiding how we respond to challenges and interact with our peers at work. When gratitude accompanies this piece, it transforms our perspective on work, shifting focus from personal frustrations to shared achievements.
A reading from 1 Samuel chapter 2, beginning in verse 18:
But Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy wearing a linen ephod. Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice. Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, May the Lord give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the Lord.
Then they would go home. And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people.
Charles Wesley, the brother of John Wesley and considered a co-founder with his brother of Methodism in the 18th century, composed the hymn, Come Thou Long Expected Jesus in 1744. So let the words of this beautiful hymn be our prayer this day:
Come, Thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free. Free from fears and sins release us. Let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art, dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a king, born to reign in us forever. Now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thy own eternal spirit, rule in our hearts alone. By thine all-sufficient merit, us to thy glorious throne.
A reading from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, verses 41-52:
Every year, Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. When he was 12 years old, they went up to the festival according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it.
Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days, they found Jesus in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.
Why were you searching for me? Jesus asked. Didn’t you know I had to be in my father’s house? But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart, and Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.
