Good morning: Someone would have to be living in the middle of a remote wilderness to not know what time of year this is. The signs of the Christmas season are everywhere. Drive down the street and you see homes lit up with multi-colored lights. Communities display large, decorated trees in prominent public places. Every store you visit features special treats and gifts. You may have a variety of candles, lights, and other special touches in your home to remind you that Christmas is on the way. Who could possibly miss seeing the signs and not know about Christmas? Yet the sad reality is that there are many who do not see the signs, that is, the signs of what Christmas is really about. Paul writes, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Cor. 4:4). While they see twinkling tree lights and brightly wrapped presents, many do not see Immanuel, God-with-us, in the manger of Bethlehem. They may see peaceful moments spent with family, but they miss seeing the greater peace in the family of God which Jesus came to win for them. Thank God for His Word by which the Spirit has opened our eyes to see the Christ-Child. Paul continues his earlier thought, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6). The signs are all there in the Word pointing to Jesus as the Light of the world. He has called us out of darkness into the light of forgiveness, peace with God, and everlasting life. Jesus’ light never dims. His light shines into your life today to assure you that He is your Savior. His light gives purpose and direction. His light gives us hope, no matter the earthly circumstances. Jesus promises, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (Jn. 8:12). May we walk in the light and pray for opportunities to reflect it to others in this Advent time. In Jesus’ name, Pastor Services tomorrow are at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. The children will rehearse for Christmas Eve at 9:15 a.m. and also after second service. Adult Bible class will meet in the activity room at 9:30 a.m. Tomorrow is the last opportunity to contribute toward the monetary gift for our ILC professors.
