"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)
Sunday, December 22, 2024 - Day 356 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Nahum; Rev. 13)
BEHOLD THE LIGHT
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5 ESV)
In the third stanza of the LSB #384 we are told that Jesus, the long awaited for Light of the world has finally arrived. Now He shines and we get to praise Him.
This is He whom seers in old time
Chanted of with one accord,
Whom the voices of the prophets
Promised in their faithful word.
Now He shines, the long-expected;
Let creation praise its Lord
Evermore and evermore.
(‘Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” LSB #384)
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.
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.
“See’ you at the Communion rail this morning!
Pastor David Paape
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