Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Wisdom, it seems, has a timeless quality - repeated, mirrored, and echoed through successive messengers as history unfolds.

In the weeks leading up to Advent we have spent time with the poignant story of Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth. When the two widowed and vulnerable women had made the journey back to Naomi's homeland, the elder expressed her greatest concern: "My daughter, I need to seek some security for you, so that it may be well with you”.

Indeed a wise plan came to Naomi which secured not only Ruth's life, but our own lives to this day! Ruth becomes the many greats-grandmother of the baby whose birth we celebrate during this holy season.

Though separated by centuries, Paul’s guidance in Philippians resonates as much with the story of Ruth, as with us today - an enduring wisdom, woven across time.

I can hear Naomi's thanksgiving prayer for Ruth's faithfulness, as though in answer to Paul's direction. And when the plan came together, I sense her peaceful heart - as promised.

As we turn our focus away from the frenzy and anxiety of the world, to the quiet of the manger, may our meditations bring new paths to wellness and accompanying calm.

Then may the peace of God guard our hearts and minds in this season and throughout the year. Amen.

- Cynthia McCarthy