The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1: 5 NRSV
Many of us will participate in a Candlelight Christmas Eve service tonight. However, for some local churches near me, the services may be in the dark.
You see, one of our local fire district apparently has had a law on the books for the last ten years that says any church using open flames other than on the altar must have four off-duty firefighters stationed in the worship area. The cost for the church? A mere $400.
All this for one verse of "Silent Night?"
How many churches do you know that have had fires on Christmas Eve, anyway?
Thank God that Jesus' light is not dependent on candles, off-duty firefighters or crazy local laws! Jesus' light is so bright, there is no darkness that can overcome it.
Merry Christmas!
Amelia Sims
Showing posts with label Light of Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Light of Christ. Show all posts
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Light
By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1: 78-79 NRSV
Jesus is seen as the light of the world. Zechariah prophesies his own son as being a light to focus on Jesus. The scriptures speak of us being in darkness until God's own light through Christ shines on us.
I think we have taken the idea of lights shining in darkness a bit too far.
In fact, most of us will probably equate Christmas with lights: lights on trees, lights on houses, lights in yards. My son's teacher says that you could probably see her house from the moon with all the Christmas lights in her yard. Even our traditional Christmas Eve Communion service focuses not on the gifts of bread and wine but on holding the lighted candles while singing "Silent Night."
We have focused on lights but not the True Light. Jesus gives the light that doesn't depend on electricity or decorations. Jesus' light shines in a darkness that is Spiritual rather than physical. The light Jesus gives to our lives will never be extinguished. Let us see the light John the Baptist is shining in our own lives and be filled with the light of Christ.
God, thank you for John the Baptizer and the guidance he gives all of us toward the True Light of Christ. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Question of the day: What has been truly more important to you this season: the Christmas lights or the Light of Christ?
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
Jesus is seen as the light of the world. Zechariah prophesies his own son as being a light to focus on Jesus. The scriptures speak of us being in darkness until God's own light through Christ shines on us.
I think we have taken the idea of lights shining in darkness a bit too far.
In fact, most of us will probably equate Christmas with lights: lights on trees, lights on houses, lights in yards. My son's teacher says that you could probably see her house from the moon with all the Christmas lights in her yard. Even our traditional Christmas Eve Communion service focuses not on the gifts of bread and wine but on holding the lighted candles while singing "Silent Night."
We have focused on lights but not the True Light. Jesus gives the light that doesn't depend on electricity or decorations. Jesus' light shines in a darkness that is Spiritual rather than physical. The light Jesus gives to our lives will never be extinguished. Let us see the light John the Baptist is shining in our own lives and be filled with the light of Christ.
God, thank you for John the Baptizer and the guidance he gives all of us toward the True Light of Christ. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Question of the day: What has been truly more important to you this season: the Christmas lights or the Light of Christ?
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
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