I guess it is official....
Christmas is here, whether I'm read for it or not. Houses up and down Case Avenue have put up their trees and decorated the outside. I do enjoy seeing the lights and the different display's that stand out in the darkness.
Isn't that what it's all about? Jesus being born....
A light that enters the darkness of this sinful world?
An answer to our sin problem. One who was born to die like no other.
I think maybe yes.
Spent some time in the book of John yesterday. Good stuff that I need to remember more than I do.
John 3:19-21 (The Message Bible)
This is the crisis we're in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won't come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God -works it is.
God sent Jesus to us so that we might understand our state of being, and the danger that we were headed toward. That danger being a death outside the will and love of God. Isn't it funny that when Jesus came as the light, men and women ran for the darkness? The fear of being uncovered is a powerful weapon in the hands of our enemy. So what we don't really grasp is the incredible fact that Jesus uncovering us is the ultimate act of love. Uncovering means we have the opportunity to see the real "US". We get to see the sin and destruction that we have brought on ourselves and those around us. Now it would be terrible if Jesus simply uncovered and then walked away, but He doesn't. He always uncovers and then shows us the way out of our mess. With a love that I don't think I'll fully understand on this side of heaven, He offers to us His salvation and new way to live. A new way to face each and every day, and the problems, temptations and situations that we will have to face.
So keep in mind, as you drive around this Christmas season, that the lights serve as a reminder that we no longer have to live in spiritual darkness, separated from the love and presence and God. Light always trumps darkness.
December 12th / we will be having our annual Candlelight service at Vineyard ReCovery.
December 19th / will be an evening of sharing a meal and worship.
God on you.....
Merry Christmas from the "B's" in Attalla.
Michael and Vicki
1 comment:
The season is Advent for me. A time of introspection, preparation and anticipation. This season comes at the time of year when days are the shortest and darkness is dominant I do not think the timing of Christmas is random. I think it is coincidental with the changing season and when we are in the darkest days the God light is given to us, the days become a little longer, just a few seconds but steadily a progression of more light And in a few weeks the dormant earth will begin to green again with the warming God light. So also should we grow in the anticipation and the receiving of the God light.
Blessings. J S Jolly
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