We know starting with Moses who lived somewhere between 1200-1500 years before Christ’s birth that Jesus’ coming was prophesied not only beginning in the third chapter of Genesis but in many books of the Old Testament. He’s coming to defeat the enemy and reign over His people was a message often repeated.
2000 years ago, a prophet named John proclaimed the messiah’s eminent arrival as a voice crying in the wilderness, “Repent!”. The Jewish people, like the rest of the world, were in bondage to their sin.
We celebrate the birth of our Messiah at Christmas. His Light illuminates a darkened world, and His love joins us together in an unbreakable bond. We put lights on our trees and on the eves of our homes symbolizing the wonderful Light that has multiplied for over twenty centuries – Light that will never dim.
The Holy Ghost fills you. Christ shines forth in your spirit and reflects in your countenance. Your life bears witness to the Light of the world as a beacon to the lost. The Light of God’s glory within you leads those who have wandered astray back to the Light which can also fill them.
We give gifts symbolizing our love for one another in a weak but appropriate simulation of Jesus giving the ultimate gift of His life as the atoning sacrifice for our sins and transgressions, putting us back in right-standing with the Father through His grace and mercy. Jesus’ gift is not limited to any particular time of year. So also we should give the gift of Light daily, demonstrating that spirit of John the Baptist, proclaiming the Light of the world, our savior Jesus Christ to those who are lost but never forsaken. Proclaim the Light of life to all.
Lord, you stepped down into darkness and became the light of the world. We ask that you shine brightly within us as we proclaim the gospel by our words and our actions to those in need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.