Light of the World
"When the light goes out, look for God". Is it not interesting that Christmas is in December, the darkest month of the year? The Christmas tree was originally decorated with candles before there were lights. It is said that the light on the Christmas tree symbolized Christ being the light of the world. In John 8:12, Jesus says He is the light of the world, those who follow him, will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
We were not created to walk in darkness. Light is part of our inheritance. We were called out of darkness into the Lord's marvelous light. In Genesis chapter one, when God was creating the world, He made a clear distinction between light and darkness. There had to be a separation between the two. Light illuminates which allow us to see the path ahead. Light exposes. Light brings hope. Light brings life. On the contrast, darkness can represent blindness, evil, sin, hopelessness, and death.
While for some this season is joyous and celebratory, for others it is the opposite. Many are battling with depression, grief, regret, sadness, unmet goals, and unmet expectations. It feels as if the circumstances will never change, and God will not bring to pass what He has promised. When it feels like the light has gone out and the path appears bleak and unclear, look to God who is the author and finisher and perfecter of all things.
There are many debates surrounding the actual birth of Jesus and whether believers should celebrate a pagan holiday. One group of debaters have debated that Jesus was not born in December, but September. This is based on the timing of John the Baptist's birth, the census, and weather conditions of that time. Knowing the exact date and month of Jesus' birthday is one of those things that God has withheld from us. If God wanted it to be known, He would have made it plainly clear. As we know, God is sovereign and does as He pleases. This is similar to our own lives that even when things aren't clear we can put our trust in our sovereign God who knows all things. The small details sometimes don't matter. We must be willing to celebrate the things God has freely given us.
As cliche as it may sound, this is the season to celebrate the greatest gift given to us by God, His one and only begotten Son. We are also to celebrate having the Holy Spirit dwelling within. Because Jesus Christ was born, because Jesus Christ died and rose again, we are sealed and secured. We have joy, peace, hope, eternal life and light! The Christmas story is about the love of God and the impossible being made possible.
So no matter where you are this Christmas season, joyous or saddened...God is calling us, children of light to ARISE!
The Great Electrician has stepping in. In this season the Lord is running a diagnostic. We need to be brighter so the Lord is rewiring and replacing light bulbs for many have gone dim and dull.
I hear God saying,
"Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you."
Isaiah 60:1
Furthermore,
Arise in Wisdom.
Arise in Understanding.
Arise in Counsel and Might.
Arise in Knowledge.
Arise in Fear of the Lord.
You are my city on a hill that can no longer be hidden.
Arise and walk away from complacency and dullness.
(Isaiah 11:2)
More than ever, we need to walk in unity. The world is getting darker so that we may shine brighter for Christ and the glory of the Lord. You are the light on the tree of your house!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!