“Light and life to all he brings,
Risen with healing in his wings.”
Scripture Readings:
Ephesians 2:1-5, Isaiah 60:1-3, Luke 1:67-79, John 8:12
On a cloudy night, it can feel as though the sky has gone dark. The stars and the moon are no longer visible, and everything above us looks empty.
But the light has not disappeared. The stars are still in place, and the moon has not moved. Their light is simply obscured behind the clouds until the wind blows and the sky’s clear beauty is revealed once more.
God’s light is greater than the stars and moon. It does not weaken, burn out or change over time. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Sin is like a cloud that obscures the night sky. It hides the light of God from our lives and leaves us unable to see clearly. God has not disappeared, but the truth of his light is hidden from our sight.
Just as we cannot blow a cloud away from the moon, so too can we not remove the cloud of sin and darkness that seperates us from God. Only God has the power to pull us out of darkness and into his marvelous light.
Jesus came to earth to remove the cloud of sin and bring people out of the darkness. It is through God’s tender mercy that we do not have to be a people who stumble in darkness void of joy, hope, and peace. Joy begins when we stop looking for light elsewhere and accept Jesus as the true source of light. This occurs when we ask him to remove the could of sin from our lives.
It is important to remember that we cannot remove ourselves from darkness. This healing comes through Jesus and ought to be proclaimed regularly to ourselvs and to those around us.
Thanks be to God that his light never changes, never goes out and can never be overcome!
This Christmas, let us choose to have joy. The darkness of the world may press in, but night can only last for a moment. The sun will always rise. The dawn of salvation brings healing. We choose whether to step into the healing joy, or remain in the shadows of despair.
Then, proclaim joy. Tell someone how God has brought light and life into your world. Tell the good news that Jesus is life and his life brings light to all.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
