Read Psalm 119:129-136.
We all need passion for something in our lives. For some, a person is the object of our passion; for others, a job or a hobby becomes the focus of their lives. Passion is a driving force, a motivator, something which moves us to action.
For Christians, God should be our passion, our first love (see Rev 2:4-5). The psalmist knew something of this passion, talking of how he opened his mouth and panted, longing for God’s commands (Ps 119:131). The unfolding of these words from God allow light into darkness and give understanding to the simple (Ps 119:130). They allow us to have God’s insight and perspective on life, causing us to weep for the fact that so few are living by these laws (Ps 119:136). Our whole lives are shaped and motivated by God (Ps 119:129, 133-134).
Advent is a good time to dwell on the heat of our passion, on the fire of God and on the zeal burning within us. Are we hot, lukewarm or cold? (see Rev 3:14-18) What is the most important thing in our lives? It’s easy in our commercialised society to be seduced into the lie that Christmas is all about presents, food or even about family and helping other people. It isn’t. Christmas is about Christ. We need to be storing up for ourselves treasures in heaven, not living divided lives on earth (Matt 6:19-24). Our passion for Christ needs to be the driving force of our whole lives.
