A View From The Lighthouse
Advent week Four
As most are aware, churches typically display an Advent Wreath during December. This wreath has four candles around the edges and one white candle in the middle. Generally, a congregation member lights one of the candles each sabbath during December, and the center is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
These candles are reminders of the attributes of God and the challenge to reflect those attributes in our own lives while here on earth. Just as Christ did (and taught) during His earthly life and briefly demonstrated after His resurrection. Those attributes are considered by many to be Hope, Peace, Joy, God’s Love, and the purity of Christ. The perfect unblemished sacrifice of the Lamb of God who brought a new covenant, the promise of salvation (from our sinful nature) for all humankind.
As you reflect on the miracle of the birth of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God’s plan for humankind, consider how the birth, life, and resurrection of Jesus Christ changed your worldview or life perspective.
“…Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord…” (Luke 2:11, NIV)
“…The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth…” (John 1:14, NIV)
“…For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life…” (John 3:16, NIV)
“…And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death- even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…” (Philippians 2:18, NIV)
“…Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!…” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)
“…When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the world’s light. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life…” (John 8:12, NIV)
As we celebrate the birth of our Messiah and God’s gift of salvation to each of us, ask yourself one question. Has your life changed with this Gospel Message?
Perhaps during this Christmas week of lights, giving, songs of joy, etc., you could consider asking Jesus to provide you:
Spiritual Gratitude over personal unhappiness.
Divine Hope over emotional indifference.
God’s Peace over personal fear.
or God’s Love and Forgiveness over your burden of sin.
“…The Joy of the Lord is my strength…” (Nehemiah 8:10), and in every life moment, there is the presence of God….whose Love is unconditional. The miracle birth, life and resurrection of Jesus Christ proves it.
Merry Christ-mass, everyone….as we remember the birth of our Savior, The Light of the World.
Sola Gratia (By (God’s) Grace Alone)
LEO BT & NATEODA Chaplain B
