Dec 3rd, 2021: The Light that Shines in the Darkness
What do you see in this image? Does a man try to bring the two worlds together? It is an image we hope that many would pay close attention to as we experience some serious divisions within our society, our families, and our communities. It is not a bad thought for this Christmas.
Christmas is also the time for us to remember that God has the intention to redeem the world back to Him. As Jesus prayed in the Gospel of John before His crucifixion that we might be one with Him as He is one with God. There will be no more separation between God and us. He desires to help us overcome our spiritual brokenness.
Christmas reminds us Jesus always identifies with the least among us. When we lift those who suffer, we also experience being lifted up by God. God has rescued us from the misery of our sinful conditions in order for us to be able to have hope. Our faith rests in the reality of the birth of Jesus, His death and His resurrection.
What offering and sacrifices would we bring to worship Jesus if we were one of the wise men? Would we have the endurance to follow the star to get to Bethlehem? Many Christians have given up because of the long and enduring journey with God in this world. Christmas is about perseverance with conviction that we are doing the right things.
"In all things, I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive." – Acts 20:35
“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” – John 1:4-5