Jay's Message-December 24

Light Coming Into Darkness

John 1:1-13; 1 John 2:7, 8

A major feature of Christmas time are lights. Almost anything becomes a target upon which to hang them. From the plump “old fashioned” type bulbs of our childhood to the tiny, very vivid LED bulbs which have become so prevalent in recent years, lights adorn trees, houses, yards, items static or moving. I’ve seen vehicles and dog houses adorned with them.

To we who follow Jesus, light has a very significant meaning. Darkness, in scripture, repre-sents being spiritually lost. Darkness is the realm of hopeless wandering; we can’t see where we’re going. There is despair and ultimately doom. But then THE light (Jesus) comes into the world and offers enlightenment (John 1:9), which means “to make clear spiritually, to cause to understand.” In Jesus we see God Himself and realize His saving purpose (John 12:45, 46). We can experience the daily fellowship walking (living) in the light can bring with God and our brothers and sisters (1 John 1:5-7). We’re in the family of God, saved, blessed, empow-ered to serve- no longer in darkness, but now in light!

The Magi saw the light of a star and sought Jesus to worship Him (Matthew 2:1, 2). May every light we see this Christmas remind us of Jesus's transforming power. May we stay close to Him and absorb His Word. May we be encouraged and strengthened to glorify God by loving and serving one another.