The Messenger

Following a long sabbatical, the tradition of having a live Christmas tree has returned to our home. The combination of the warm glow of the lights and the scent of fresh pine brings back childhood memories of sitting silently in peaceful solitude admiring its beauty. For a moment, it was almost as if I was back in my parent's living room on Christmas Eve, giving thanks for all the blessings in my life.

This is Christmas at its best; a time of adoration and praise to God. A time to give thanks. Half a century later and a little wiser, I believe what I was sensing then and now is the Light of the World – Jesus.

Quoting the words of song writer Tim Hughes in his song Here I am to Worship:

Light of the World, You stepped down into darkness,
opened my eyes, let me see.

The song reflects the very words of Jesus in John 8:12 (NIV) When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

In her book Praying the Names of Jesus Ann Spangler writes, “John's gospel portrays Jesus as the light that vanquishes the darkness brought on by sin – a darkness that ends in death. Christ has opened the eyes of a sin-darkened world to the truth of the gospel.”

God on that the first Christmas stepped down out of the heavenly realms and into the darkness of the world and became human – as baby Jesus. Some thirty three years later Jesus gave his life as a ransom for our sins. By God's grace we are forgive. As Jesus said in John 8:12, whoever follows Him will never walk in darkness. The Light of Christ lives in those who confess Him as their Saviour.

Does this mean we as Christians are perfect? Absolutely not! But we are changed. I guarantee, with the help of the Holy Spirit, the life of the Christian will continue to transform into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

In my heart the chorus from Tim Hughes' song rings loud and clear this Christmas:

Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down,
here I am to say that You’re my God.
You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy,
altogether wonderful to me.

If you are a Christian I pray these words from Jesus in Matthew 5:16 (ESV) In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

If you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, I pray you will.

Christian or not, I invite you to join me at Seasons Lakeshore Retirement Home in Belle River Christmas Eve at 3pm. Together we can shine the light of Christ at our annual Christmas Eve service.

Merry Christmas. - S.D.G.