Jude 1:17-25
At this time of year, we often hear, “Remember the reason for the season.” Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays, hearing those words could remind us to make sure that we are making room for Christ. We could find comfort in this phrase by letting it reorient us to what matters most. In the middle of wrapping gifts and preparing holiday meals, it reminds us to slow down and remember the glory of Christ who comes to us as a baby.
Jude’s exhortation in today’s passage does the exact same thing, ushering us back to the present, back to what matters most, during our hurried and busy seasons. When life’s stressors and expectations overwhelm, take a deep breath and “remember the words of the apostles” (v. 17, paraphrase). When judgment or negativity threatens our thoughts, Jude reminds us, keep yourselves in the love of God (v. 21).
These phrases act as tuning forks to course-correct our thoughts and behaviors. Jude is reminding us of the promise of tomorrow. Just as we celebrate the anticipation of God’s coming during the Advent season, we look forward to God showing up again and again throughout our lives. We remember that we are the benefactors of a mercy we do not deserve, and we can show mercy to others who need it as well. We must remember to stand firm in our beliefs and, through it all, remember to give glory to God. It feels like we can summarize Jude with relative ease here: “Remember the reason for the season.”
Consider
What truths do I need to remember in this season?
Pray
Merciful God, give me the eyes to see the reason for this season. Help me share that reason with those in need of mercy. Amen.