But you, beloved....

Today's reading: Jude

But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. Jude 20-21 NRSV

Many churches have scripture readings during Advent that talk about the end times and the second coming. Jude is such a book. I admit I have never studied it much. Reading it today makes me feel like I am missing some important information about angels and demons as well as Biblical characters such as Enoch.

These two verses are actually the more positive and helpful part of Jude. Jude give instructions on what the believers are to do even when it feels like the end times are engulfing them:

Build up your faith.

Pray in the Spirit.

Keep loving God.

Look forward to Christ's mercy.

Those four things are what we all need to concentrate on during this season of preparing for Christ's birth.

God, we thank you for all the gifts you have given us but none is as wonderful as Christ's mercy. In his name we pray. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims