A Great Light

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2 NIV

With Advent, we remember that Christ ushered light into the darkness of the world. Each Sunday, we light a candle, culminating with the lighting of the Christ candle on Christmas Eve. As important as it is for us to commemorate his sacrifice for our sins, it is equally essential we recognize the hope of deliverance his light means.

However, it is more than a one-time or once-a-year event. This great light is at work every single moment. It has great power to drive away the darkness of hate, ignorance, prejudice, discrimination, and oppression. When we accept the light, we come out of those places of darkness -- there's a markable change in our hearts. Looking around, we recognize the injustices -- the hungry, the homeless, the prisoner, and any who are marginalized -- and treasure them for what they are, our brothers and sisters. And in the light, we do more than recognize them; we must do something to alleviate their pain. If we claim to carry the great light and fail to do that, we continue to walk in darkness.

God, we thank you for the light of Jesus Christ. In your marvelous light, the things once hidden are now exposed. Please help us live like Jesus, give us the resolve to drive away the darkness, not just seeing but doing, that our actions speak of your glory. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim