Advent - Day 10 - Holy #rethinkadvent

Holy :  exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness.

Looking at that particular definition of Holy, it would seem that not only is being Holy unachievable but perhaps a bit blasphemous to even think about it.  But 1 Peter 1:13-16 says: So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.”

William Dun Longstaff, a well-to-do business man in 1882, pondered the call from that srcipture. 
The more he thought about it, the more logical and practical it became and the words to the famous Hymn, Take Time To Be Holy was written. It was written in metered prose and the messages sometimes lost in that prose to the contemporary listener.  Translating it helps me see more clearly, a path to living holy.  Read first the original words of hymn and then my translation.

---

Take Time To Be Holy
by William Dun Lonstaff

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.
Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

My Translation

Take time to be with God and talk to 
him a lot. 
Make friends with all of God's children.  Help others in need.
Seek Her blessing in everything you do.  Take the time to be with God even though the rest of the world is in a hurry.
Sit alone with Jesus and share your secrets.  By turning to Jesus you will become like Him.
when you become like Jesus, your friends will see Him and come to know Him through your actions.
Let Jesus be your guide, and no matter what happens, don't run from Him.  Trust in His word.  Let your soul be calm. Let go - let all your thoughts and actions be guided by Him.  Following Jesus leads to abundant love. When you pass from the earth you will be with Him in Holy service.

In this advent season, take a little time to be with Jesus.  Be "totally ready to receive the gift that's coming..."
While the world rushes about, sit and talk with God and let your soul be calm .Let O, Holy Night, become O, Holy Advent. Wait in holiness.  Let others see the light of love radiate from you.  Let others be the recipients of your charity. Be at peace. Holy is thy name...