Christian Reflection and Prayer

(Day 6 of Advent)

Scripture:


Read John 12:35-36. TEXTS: The earth was without form
and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. ...
And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light
(see Genesis 1:2-3).

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men
(John 1:4).

Reflection:

We're walking down the sidewalk on a dark and dreary
December night. We tighten our collars and lean into
the blustery wind as the cold bites our cheeks. Then
someone throws a switch. In the twinkling of an eye
the darkness is shattered by thousands of brilliant
Christmas lights that warm our hearts and fill us
with childlike joy.

At the very beginning the world was shrouded in
deep darkness. Then the Word spoke, "Let there be
light." Instantly, beautiful light burst forth over the
newly formed earth and the darkness was gone.

On the sixth day God placed our first parents in a
beautiful, abundant paradise. But Adam and Eve
plunged our world into the darkness of sin, guilt
and misery by eating the fruit God had forbidden.
As their children we are all born in the darkness of
sin. We grope our way blindly through this life
unable to find our own way back to God. 

But God did not leave us in darkness. The Word
who first spoke and scattered the darkness comes
to shine His light into our hearts. He shows us
God's love and forgiveness, and promises us all
the joys and delights of the eternal paradise He
won for us by His perfect life, death and
resurrection. He is our light shining through the
darkness and in the shadow of our death.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, thank You for lighting my darkness,
forgiving my sins, and promising me eternal life
in Your presence. Scatter the darkness that still
clings to me, and cheer me with Your light.
Amen

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)