Week of December 25, 2022
The Light Dawns
As you might expect in a “World Lit Only by Fire” (to quote a book title) in which there were no electric lights to switch on, light and darkness took on special importance for everyday life in Bible times and by analogy to matters of the spirit (and Spirit!). The Christmas celebration is all about the dawning into the darkness of human life of Jesus the Light of the World.
December 26 Isaiah 60:1-3
Picture a world where darkness reigns – sadness, brokenness, wars, depression, and anxiety – into this world God lights a candle and sends Jesus. The light spreads into the corners of the darkness revealing the ugliness of sin and the effects of rebellion. Jesus comes to bring joy, hope, love, goodness, life, light, and His forgiveness. How can you be a light to your family and in your workplace? Who has brought light into your life?
December 27 John 3:19-21
There are two different reactions to light:
People are drawn to its beauty, its warmth, its revelation
People recoil, they love the darkness and reject the truth that the light reveals.
How has God’s light brought you hope, love, and joy? Are there times when the light revealed your sinfulness? How do you react when your sin has been exposed? Seek God’s forgiveness and love that comes from true honesty of the darkness within.
December 28 John 8:12
It seems that Jesus spoke these words on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) In Jewish practice, on the last day of the festival, they light a candle and pray, “O LORD of the universe, thou commandest us to light the lamps to Thee, yet thou art the Light of the World.” So when Jesus spoke these words, “I AM the Light of the World”, could He have been any more clear??? I AM GOD! I am all you need! I am the one who brings hope, joy, love, and LIGHT! Where do you need the light to shine in your life? Do you realize how God has clearly spoken to you? What does it look like for you to receive His light?
December 29 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
The Corinthians, the Eau Claireites, the Altoonians, the Chippewa Fallites, the Cole Campites, the Schulz’s – we are all so easily deceived by the cunning nature of the darkness. Yet God promises to shine ”the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus.” He draws us away from the darkness – His Spirit leads and invites us to follow Jesus. The invitation is for you. How do you respond to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him? The New Year is about to begin – a new year to fall at the feet of Jesus and say – “I will follow you! I will listen for your voice and obey. I will walk where you lead me.” Earnestly seek God’s desire for you in this next season of life and pray over this commitment.
December 30 Ephesians 5:1-14
The Apostle Paul encourages us to “walk in love’, to “walk as children of light”. As we do this, we take on the character of Jesus and are part of God’s people – His Family – that changes the atmosphere. Light floods into a room, a community, a nation, and God is glorified. How have you seen the light of Jesus change you and your family life? Reflect on one way that you can be more intentional about being Jesus’ light in 2023.
