Christmas 2017

4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:4-5)

The slogan for Motel 6 used to be "We'll leave the light on for you". When we're afraid of the dark, as children, we often use a nightlight for calm and comfort. A lighthouse stands to shine a beacon on waterways as both a navigational aid and a warning of dangerous conditions. At the dawn of creation God spoke light:

3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. (Gen. 1:3-4)

The light of Christ was born into this world after the people of Israel had waited hundreds of years for evidence that God would fulfill God's promise of a savior in the lineage of King David.

2 The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of deep darkness

a light has dawned.

6 For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.

He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:2,6-7)

How long they had waited for God to speak light once again when an angel came to Mary and said:

31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. (Luke 1:31-32)

For this not-yet-married young woman, the situation was far from perfect. But the light came. Mary's husband-to-be planned to leave her quietly. But the light came. The only place available to give birth was a dirty stable.

But the light came.

God continues to speak light into the dark places of our lives.

Into uncertainty and discontent - let there be light.

Into unworthy and unprepared lives - let there be light.

Into hopelessness, fear, and doubt - let there be light.

Into broken hearts and disappointed dreams - let there be light.

Into weary hands and tired feet - let there be light.

Into storm-damaged and fire-ravaged places - let there be light.

Into bigotry and hatred - let there be light.

Into every heart and mind - let there be light.

May the light of Christ be born anew in you.

Let there be light.