The first letter of John insists that God dwells in our hearts as his home, our knowledge of this must therefore empower us to resist the evil one who tempts us with fleeting carnal pleasures. The repeated advice depicts a caring father teaching his children that those who do the loving will of God will live.

The prophetess Anna dedicated her life to serving God by fasting and prayer. Her firm anticipation of the arrival of the Messiah reflects a life devoted to God’s promises. Her devotedness towards the Temple as the dwelling of the Holy one keeps her serving in her old age. This resonates with our longing of God to visit and remain in our homes, a holy of holies which is in our hearts.

There is truth in the saying that the longest journey is a journey inward to our hearts. In this season of joy, did we embrace the presence of the infant Jesus in our hearts with joy after weeks of waiting? Recall, when we still sent our greetings through the mail, we waited with full patience to receive cards from our distant friends to decorate our homes. Every card we received made us jubilant to see that our home was adorned with blessings. More importantly, it is within our heart that every increase of faith, hope and love is growing in tandem with Jesus, maturing in wisdom and in God’s favour.