The Light Comes Back

The first candle of advent is the symbol of prophecy and hope. 

SCRIPTURE: 

4In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.  

6There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe. 8He himself was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.

9The true Light who gives light to every man was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.

DEVOTION: 
Advent means coming- especially God's coming.  God did not just make us but is with us.  In our world of quick fixes, the ministry of presence is important even today.  It is this ministry that God has given us in Jesus.  The word “Emmanuel” that the angel talked about means “God with us.” 

The light of the world came into the darkness- God came back for us.  In 1989 the runway lights went off at night at John Wayne International airport in LA.  Planes could not land safely and hundreds of passengers were diverted to other airports far away.  The lights came back on and the planes could land safely.  The light of the world has come back into our world to light up our darkness and show us the way.  I have noticed many dark homes this advent season.  I am asking you to light up yours as a sign of faith.  You don’t have to be gawdy or overdo it, but just let your light shine in a symbol of advent- the light of hope has come- the prophecies and hopes have been fulfilled.  Maybe the light you shine in your home will remind someone that there is hope and there is a light that shines in the darkness.  

PRAYER: 
Lord, thank you for coming back to us.  Help us to come back to you.   

12/8/12- Advent Joy

Saturday- December 8

Philippians 4:4-8  Rejoice^* in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.^* Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved,^* whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about^* these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Joy to the World! Joy is a big part of Christmas! We are overwhelmed at God’s incredible love for us in Christ Jesus.  Paul wrote these words from a Roman prison.   He was on trial for his life. Yet even in these circumstances Paul rejoiced because knowing Christ was worth more than all earthly comforts.  He instructs us not to worry for God is near and will grant us peace regardless of our situation.  Paul also recommends an “attitude adjustment.” Rather than seeing what is troubling, undone, or unpleasant, he recommends we concentrate on the blessings and goodness in every situation.  I call his attitude, “Whatever!”  Whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing or commendable, concentrate on that. We are to look for excellence and things to praise and God’s peace will be with us whatever life brings!  This verse reminds me of another favorite song played this time of year from The Sound of Music, “My Favorite Things.” When we get overwhelmed by shopping lists or holiday tasks, let us say “Whatever,” praise God for our blessings, and feel His peace.

Prayer: Lord, may my heart rejoice with hope and good thoughts this advent.

Application:  On a sheet of paper: List your top three worries.  Pray about them.  Tear the sheet up and put it in your Bible until after Christmas. 

Joy to the world, the Lord has come, let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing.

He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove.
The glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love.  (Presbyterian Hymnal #40)