Whoa! Did you notice St Paul says this twice to the Philippian church?

 

Could it be that he needed to reinforce his message of hope and peace and joy for those whose spirits (like ours) were diminished by circumstances and forces beyond their control?

He knew that evil and sin easily invades our hearts and minds and undermines genuine joy and trust in God. He wanted to build up our confidence and courage to imitate Christ (2:5-11) and share in the power of His suffering and resurrection (3:10).

 

The words "joy" and "rejoice" are used 15 times by St Paul in this one letter, which is remarkable because Paul was in prison at the time. He tells the people, whom he clearly loves, that his joy is not dependent on his circumstances (1:18). Even if he should be sentenced to death for his ministry, he would still rejoice (2:17,18). He wants the Philippians to learn his secret of contentment (4:11-12). "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (13)

 

This letter from the apostle Paul is an Advent gift for us this year. It is a love letter to faithful Christians who were losing heart and needed to be reminded again of the power of God in Christ to guard our hearts and minds and, in spite of what the world throws at us, to bless us with peace in all circumstances. 

Paul encourages us to wrap ourselves in whatever is honorable, just, pure, pleasing, excellent, and worthy of praise (4:8), because these are the antidotes to worry, anxiety, fear, and despair. Keep on doing the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, he says, and the God of Peace will be with you. (4:9)