The Lord has come to live in us, to transform us from within: to make us more like him. Our body is a temple of the living God. Just as Simeon, guided by the Holy Spirit, saw the Messiah in the Temple, we too can encounter the Lord within our hearts. His light shines within, dispelling every darkness, selfishness, bigotry, and the inability to love. Then, we too can boldly say that we have seen the Lord’s salvation. Darkness is passing, and the true light is already shining. Some of my family members who once hurt and created discord are receiving my forgiveness and love, not by my own ability but by the Lord’s grace. Someone asked me how I was able to stay calm amid such vindictiveness. I said, “The Lord is the One doing it.” My old nature still revolts, but with the Lord within, I believe and see him gradually making me into a new creation. Is this not the fulfillment of the Word: ‘Christ in me, the hope of glory’ (cf. Col 1:27)?

Abba Father, may I experience the joy of your presence. Amen.