Advent: From Darkness to Light

From Thanksgiving to Christmas –and everyday–it is good to remember God’s blessings and gifts. It is good to give thanks. We are entering Advent when we can focus on Jesus, the light of the world.

In our neighborhood the skeletons and graveyards are gone from front lawns. Instead of dark decorations, bright Christmas lights decorate homes in our neighborhood. The lights are attractive and cheerful.

Our church family is going to read the daily devotions in a booklet, Darkness and Then Light from Christianity Today. The Bible directs us to seek light.

Send out your light and your truth;
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
and to your dwelling! Psalm 43:3

Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

Jesus is identified as light.

In him [Jesus] was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4-5

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12  

As we drove home from a Thanksgiving dinner with family, a song by Twila Paris came on the radio. The words to Carry the Light are inspiring. Here is the chorus:

Carry the Light
Carry the Light
Go and tell the children
They are precious in His sight
Carry the Light
Carry the Light
Go and preach the gospel
‘Til there is no more night
In the name of Jesus Christ