Third Sunday in Advent: Epistle, Philippians 4:4-7                        

Philippians 4:4-7

The Lord has brought us to a passage in this Advent season that speaks, perhaps in a veiled way of the blessings of His incarnation. We may not read this passage this way in other parts of the year, but I think it is good practice to remember that for we Christians every time the Scripture speaks to the nearness of the Lord, we need to think of that great reality. Christ is with us in powerful ways: through the proclamation of His Word, through His coming to us in the sacraments, and as Luther would say, “in the consolation of the brethren.”

And in our passage have you noticed that His presence is closely connected to the giving of thanks? (v. 6) Perhaps our hearts should be drawn here especially to the Holy Supper for the historic name given to that feast is “eucharist,” the very word in New Testament language for our offering of thanks. 

Remember you members of Christ’s body that He is near. In all the ways named above His promise to be present is good for this day, for tomorrow, and until we see Him face to face. “Rejoice in the Lord always … the Lord is at hand.” Now and forever.