In the beginning the Word already existed.
    The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He existed in the beginning with God.
3 God created everything through him,
    and nothing was created except through him.
4 The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and his life brought light to everyone.
5 The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness can never extinguish it. …
16 From his abundance we have all received
one gracious blessing after another.
John 1:1-5,16

May you enter the Christmas season with open eyes to recognize the Lord’s presence and working around and in you.  May your ears be tuned to the sounds of revival, restoration and freedom, the very reasons the baby Jesus was sent to humanity.  May you discern his heavenly presence in the glory of creation that testifies to our Holy Creator.  May the very joy Christ felt at creation, fill you and return with every gaze.
 
May you make the most of these opportunities to experience the Lord’s glory.  May all distractions be blocked and laid aside.  May all sadness, anger and resentment be left at the Cross.  And while pondering the sacrifice for which the baby Jesus was sent, may you cling to its finished work and be forever hidden from your enemies in its shadow. 
 
What more proof do we need?  We are loved with an everlasting love, a love that lifts us up out of the darkness of this world.  Let us come and celebrate our new identity in Christ!  We are loved.  We belong to our Triune God.  As believers, the Holy Spirit lives in us, we are in Christ, and together we are hidden in the Father.  We will never be lost and alone again.  We are precious to our heavenly Father who treasures us in his heart. We are chosen, called by name to a heavenly position and a Kingdom work that only we can do. 
 
As we celebrate, may we be gently reminded of those who God has chosen who are still left in the darkness.  May God give us his compassion, strength and conviction to go, to speak out and to be used to gather all who belong to the amazing, supernatural Kingdom that is calling them to be freed, healed and restored.
 
Then, let us gather together in awe of our beautiful King Jesus. The train of his robe, not only fills the Temple, but the entire universe, his creation.  The light he brought into this world can never be extinguished!  Be blessed to believe and experience his presence and light in you!

God created everything through him,
    and nothing was created except through him.
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness can never extinguish it.
                                                  John 1:3-5 NLT

Years ago, just having made a total commitment to God, I received a ministry newsletter with the headline, “Seek the Light, and persevere.”  I somehow knew it was a command for me.  So, I cut it off the newsletter and put it on my little bulletin board.  Things came and went from that bulletin board, but that exhortation remained for a very long time, until it was written on my heart.

I have met many people who are lovers of the light, ones who love sunny days and rooms with lots of windows.  There is something about light that raises our spirits when they are down and puts a smile on our face.  Science has discovered that light cleanses and has healing properties. The study of light’s characteristics has led to great scientific discoveries.  Since light’s speed is constant, scientists use the speed of light to measure the distances in the universe.

Biblically, light is equated with truth and God’s word that set us free, strengthen and guide us.  Darkness refers to evil, deceit, imprisonment, pain and loss.  When we live in the dark, we are lost and vulnerable.  But just a little light can save us from stumbling and harm.

In the verses above, the Light refers to Jesus Christ, the Creator of everything that is made (Jn.8:12). He is the Son of God who came into this dark world, taking on flesh to become one of us, yet was fully God.  Jesus suffered and was crucified for our sin, and became our way back home to our heavenly Father.  John wrote of Jesus as the Light to give us hope, because no matter our circumstances, the light in us will prevail.  The darkness can never extinguish the true Light. Because his Spirit lives in us who believe in him, we become the light of the world as his life is manifest through us. (Matt.5:14)

Since we want to shine God’s light in the world, let’s obey the exhortation I received years ago.  Together let’s continue to seek the Light, and know Christ intimately and become more like him.  Let’s not give up, but persevere, no matter the challenges.  We are chosen and called to reflect his light in the dark places of the world.  So, never give up.  Keep growing.  Keep seeking more of Jesus.

Dear friends, be blessed this Christmas as you ask the Holy Spirit for the gift of perseverance, receive it and keep seeking more of Jesus. That is a gift our heavenly Father loves to give his children.  Then be blessed to keep growing, keep shining and keep smiling.  You will give the Lord great joy, and his joy will become your strength. Amen.

Mary Sumner ~ December 5, 2022