As we set our sights to worship on Christmas morning, I am reminded of how who we are celebrating infuses this season with dark-conquering hope. For many, the season that brings many folks joy is anything but a happy time. For some, amid all of the bright Christmas decorations, the season is dampened by darkness. There is a reason why the advent candles are a poignant reminder for use year in and year out. The light from the candles, especially the Christ candle, which we will light on Sunday, reminds us that the birth of our Lord dispels the darkness of sorrow that captures many hearts this time of the year. The true Light, which gives light to everyone, has come into the world (John 1:9). Darkness is passing away (1 John 2:8)!
What is the relationship between light and hope? The prophecy in Isaiah 9 draws out the connection between the two — The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. What would you hope for while in deep darkness? Light!! Light is the key that opens the dungeons of darkness; however, it may descend — whether by sin or sorrow, pain or disappointment, grief or despair. The nature of light is that it shines in the darkness, and the feebleness of darkness is that it cannot overcome the light (John 1:5). This is why we say, “Merry Christmas!” Not as some sugary slogan that we parrot every December but as a powerful declaration that darkness has been given a mortal blow through the birth of Incarnate Light, and one day, the shadows will give way to the everlasting light of our Savior’s presence. So Jubilee, whatever you are walking through this season, especially if the times are ones of sorrow, by faith, declare, “Merry Christmas!” Say it to your soul. Affirm it with your family. Declare it to your neighbors. Tell your co-workers. Announce it with boldness as those infused with great hope this season!
Looking forward to worshiping our King on Christmas,
Dark-Conquering Hope
Jubilee Fam,
As we set our sights to worship on Christmas morning, I am reminded of how who we are celebrating infuses this season with dark-conquering hope. For many, the season that brings many folks joy is anything but a happy time. For some, amid all of the bright Christmas decorations, the season is dampened by darkness. There is a reason why the advent candles are a poignant reminder for use year in and year out. The light from the candles, especially the Christ candle, which we will light on Sunday, reminds us that the birth of our Lord dispels the darkness of sorrow that captures many hearts this time of the year. The true Light, which gives light to everyone, has come into the world (John 1:9). Darkness is passing away (1 John 2:8)!
What is the relationship between light and hope? The prophecy in Isaiah 9 draws out the connection between the two — The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. What would you hope for while in deep darkness? Light!! Light is the key that opens the dungeons of darkness; however, it may descend — whether by sin or sorrow, pain or disappointment, grief or despair. The nature of light is that it shines in the darkness, and the feebleness of darkness is that it cannot overcome the light (John 1:5). This is why we say, “Merry Christmas!” Not as some sugary slogan that we parrot every December but as a powerful declaration that darkness has been given a mortal blow through the birth of Incarnate Light, and one day, the shadows will give way to the everlasting light of our Savior’s presence. So Jubilee, whatever you are walking through this season, especially if the times are ones of sorrow, by faith, declare, “Merry Christmas!” Say it to your soul. Affirm it with your family. Declare it to your neighbors. Tell your co-workers. Announce it with boldness as those infused with great hope this season!
Looking forward to worshiping our King on Christmas,
Pastor Lew