Get ready to unwrap the 2023 Saint Luke Advent Devotional Series: "All I Want for Christmas." This Advent, our blog becomes a portal to daily reflections from writers within our congregation, each sharing their heartfelt desires and dreams this holiday season. What do you want for Christmas? Our writers’ answers remind us that the most precious gifts aren't store-bought but emanate from the depths of our souls. We hope that these reflections are a blessing to you this Advent season.

Today’s reflection is from Joanne Crozier. Joanne grew up attending Saint Luke, where she was active for many years in its various music programs. She loves the many ways that Saint Luke has continued to grow, evolve, and serve in new ways.

COMPASSION

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” -Galatians 5:22-23

We live in a time where there are extremely strong opinions on everything from the most trivial to the most significant. It’s so easy to get caught up in trying to “make our case” and to be understood, or at least heard, by others.

Have you ever found yourself at a holiday gathering engaged in debate or defending a position, only to feel exhausted and frustrated? What if, instead of seeking to be understood we default to seeking to understand and to embracing God’s desire for us to show compassion for others, including (or perhaps especially for) those different than us?

Dear God, help me to consistently embrace opportunities to seek and learn from others’ perspectives while further opening my heart and showing compassion for those who think differently from me. Amen.