Incarnate Light
My prayer has been that Jesus would ignite and awaken in me in increasing measure the wonder of Christmas, which would overflow into the lives of everyone I come in contact with this season. I’m sharing a daily video series on my social media called “31 Days of Christmas Wonder,” it has blessed me so much. Each day, I study the prophecies, promises, character, miracles, and life of Jesus in the Old and New Testament and share what the Lord is speaking to me. I planned on blogging about it every day to deepen each video devotion, but I think I got a little ahead of myself in capacity. But I will stop by and give some thoughts about what I’m learning through Scripture as I have time.
I started on December 1st with reading from Isaiah, one of my favorite books of the Bible. Isaiah is often called the 5th Gospel because of how often Isaiah preached and prophesied about the coming Messiah, more than any other Old Testament prophet. I read about the doom and gloom that covered the Israelites like a thick fog because of their sin and rebellion against God and the impending attack of the Assyrians. They were a despairing people, a people discouraged and dismayed. I read about how the Light would one day dawn, shattering the darkness forever, breaking the yoke of slavery to sin and shame once and for all. I sat amazed as I saw the incarnate Light of God, the glory of the Father made manifest in His Son, all darkness dispelled for those who put their trust in Him.
I thought about my own darkness, the darkness that kept me shrouded in a veil of shame and deception for so much of my life before I came to Christ. I once stumbled through the darkness, grabbing hold of anything that would make me feel secure in the moment. Most of the time, what I held on to led me further into the dark. I tried to manufacture light by making people like me, but thought if they knew the real me, they would never love me.
Then I came face to face with Jesus. His Light obliterated the darkness in me. He forgave me and showered me with His love and affection. He showed me my worth in Him. He showed me how He turns pain into purpose. He lifted the veil, took me by the hand, and made me His bride. I am the Church, I am the Bride of Christ. I am chosen. I am redeemed. I emit His light to the world around me.
His Light provides Truth and wisdom for all who humble themselves under His authority. His Light shines onto the path and lights our way with His Word. We walk in peace, even though we may encounter the storms of life, because His Light surrounds us with hope and guidance.
Recently, we attended a Night of Remembrance at our church, and everyone was given a candle. At the end of the service, each person was asked to light their neighbor’s candle with their own. Pretty soon, the whole room was aglow with candlelight.
May we, as the Bride of Christ, spread the light of salvation as we live cruciformed and share Christ with our neighbors. May His radiance shine from our faces as we behold His beauty. Imagine how the world will be aglow with His glory!
Jesus, teach us to abide in Your Light. Teach us to walk in Your Light. The world needs to see Your Gospel in action. Holy Spirit, fill us with holy boldness. Teach us to receive Your love, Father, so we can give it away. Shine Your Light in and through us, Jesus, so that we may lead others out of the pain of darkness into Your marvelous Light. In Jesus' mighty and precious name, amen.
