Psalm 133: 1-2
How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe.
Oil is very soothing and healing; it is very penetrating and long-lasting. It is a lubricant to allow moving parts to slide smoothly against each other without harm or hindrance. That is why harmony is compared to oil--it allows people who are very close (brothers) to be able to function together without argument or animosity.
Many families are coming together for the Holidays from far distances as well as across town; people who in some cases have not seen or communicated much recently will be rubbing up against each other, and tempers can flare. May we all be aware of one another's personalities and temperaments, and be considerate of how they may receive what we have to give in conversation and gift-giving, too. The Oil of Harmony can only be achieved when we "consider other as better than ourselves" and love one another with God's unconditional love, mixed with mercy and forgiveness.
This will not be easy for many of us. Some may even forego travelling to be together, dreading the interchange of personalities. But with God, "all things are possible," even getting along with that difficult relative.
So let us all trust God, leaning on Him rather than our own ways, and let Him do a work in and through us to those who may not know Him yet, and be His witness to draw them into God's loving arms.
Merry Christmas!
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
