December 14 – Philippians 4 : 8-9

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

My grandfather was a fan of poetry, and almost every visit would pull open an anthology and have me read, out loud, one of his favorites. Usually it was Robert Frost, but occasionally he delved into other writers, like Frank Lebby Stanton, a longtime popular editorial columnist for the Atlanta Constitution who was named Georgia’s first Poet Laureate in 1925. Among his many writings is a turn of the century poem titled, “Keep a’Goin.” It reads:

Ef you strike a thorn or rose,
Keep a-goin’!
Ef it hails, or ef it snows,
Keep a-goin!
‘Taint no use to sit an’ whine,
When the fish ain’t on yer line;
Bait yer hook an’ keep a-tryin’—
Keep a-goin’!

When the weather kills yer crop,
Keep a-goin’!
When you tumble from the top,
Keep a-goin’!
S’pose you’re out of every dime,
Bein’ so ain’t any crime;
Tell the world you’re feelin’ prime—
Keep a-goin’!

When it looks like all is up,
Keep a-goin’!
Drain the sweetness from the cup,
Keep a-goin’!
See the wild birds on the wing,
Hear the bells that sweetly ring,
When you feel like sighin’ sing—
Keep a-goin’!

Stanton’s poem is encouraging and uplifting, a reminder that no matter what is stacked against you, to keep moving forward. This, too, is the message Paul brings to the early church in many of his letters, including the one to the Philippians. Our verses for today come from the end of his letter, and are some of the last instructions Paul gives to the faith community. He urges them to be grounded in their faith, and to cling to those lessons they have learned to center them in this crazy world. Verse 9 calls them to “keep a goin.!” in confidence that God is with them.

Advent is our call to keep going towards those grand promises God has made. This week we contemplate the notion of peace, which can seem far off in a world fraught with conflicts big and small. And yet, we are moving toward a night when the angels will proclaim “peace on earth, good will to all people.” In anticipation of that night, we must “keep a goin’” towards that lofty goal. Paul’s verses give us some excellent ways to get there – truth and honor, pure and pleasing, praise. If these are the central core values we carry, and if we continue to seek to follow Christ’s example, there is hope for peace. It is hard work, but step by step we can live into its reality, with God’s help.

So keep a goin’, friends, especially in this busy Advent season, step by step moving closer to the manger that will be home to the prince of Peace, our Immanuel, God with us.

Written by Rev. Elizabeth Lovell Milford
What am I passionate about at Heritage?
I love seeing how much FUN our members and friends have serving together. This week we are preparing to help 182 children in our area with gifts and food through our Santa’s Caravan, and every time I have encountered volunteers, the room is full of smiles and laughter. Heritage is brimming with JOY as we share God’s love with others, and it’s contagious!