"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Thursday, December 22, 2022 - Day 356 - (Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 19:1-15; Psalm 143; 2 Corinthians 10:1-6)
THE EVERLASTING LIGHT
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5 ESV)
In the selected verse for today, John points us to Jesus, and in effect says BEHOLD THE LIGHT. Jesus stands out in stark contrast to the rest of this sin-darkened world. The reason for “Joy to the World” is because the Babe of Bethlehem is the light sent from God the Father to overcome the darkness in your life.
As you finish your preparations for Christmas, please remember what it is all about. Jesus came to brighten your life with His forgiveness, His comfort and His promise of heaven.
1. O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy darkness shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.
2. For Christ is born of Mary,
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wond'ring love.
O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God the king
And peace to all the earth!
3. How silently, how silently,
The wondrous Gift is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heav'n.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still,
The dear Christ enters in.
4. O holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in,
Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas Angels,
The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Immanuel!
("O Little Town of Bethlehem," Lutheran Service Book #361)
Dearest Lord Jesus, please shine Your joy and peace into my heart and life so that I may BEHOLD YOUR LIGHT anew this year. And then, please shine through me to others. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
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