Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

‘May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.’

1 Thessalonians 5:23

As a General Practitioner, I often see people seeking healing, yearning for relief that sometimes feels ever out of reach. Appointments are rushed, treatment is delayed, and medicines can fall short. Yet, Paul's words in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 offer a vision of comprehensive restoration.

So, considering Paul’s words, let’s see what it means to be truly healed—more than skin deep, more than physical ailments removed. Advent invites us to reflect on the longing, the waiting, and the anticipation, not just of Christmas joy but also the profound hope of Christ's return. This is a time to turn our hearts towards God's infinite capacity for healing, encompassing our physical bodies, fragile hearts, and wandering spirits.

In the hustle of medical treatment, we sometimes overlook our spiritual wellness. Spiritual vulnerability arises when we allow life's pressures to overshadow God's peace. We neglect to feed our spirits, leaving them malnourished amidst life's struggles. Yet, healing in Jesus is not a hurried affair or a mere transaction; it's a lifelong journey of daily surrendering our burdens.

Imagine Jesus, the Great Physician, walking with us. He listens, knows the depths of our afflictions and the struggles of our hearts, and offers us the balm of His peace. In Him, we find rest. His peace transcends our understanding and tranquillity, which settles the spirit even when the world stirs around us. It's available, not on an appointment basis, but at every moment we call out to Him.

While rejoicing over the wondrous birth of our Saviour, let us draw back to the root of our spiritual health: a vibrant, living relationship with Christ. Reconnect through prayer, Scripture, and the stillness that welcomes His presence. Let His peace permeate our souls, aligning our spirits, souls, and bodies to His will. Share this peace with those around us. In doing so, we prepare ourselves to welcome Christ anew and embrace His sanctifying grace together.

May we find in these Advent days a renewal that is not just seasonal but eternal, a peace that bears witness to Christ's healing love, here and now, until He comes again.

Dr Shumaila Safdar, Lay-member of St Laurence's, Chorley.