Christian Reflection and Prayer

(Day 20 of Advent)

Scripture:

Read Psalm 19.  The true light, which enlightens
everyone, was coming into the world (John 1:9).

During the first three days of creation week, the earth
was illuminated by the special light God spoke into
 existence on that first day. On the fourth day we read
"And God made the two great lights-the greater light to
rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night-and
the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the
heavens to give light on the earth, to rule over the day
and over the night, and to separate the light from the
darkness. And God saw that it was good"
(Genesis 1:16-18). When morning dawned that fourth
day, the earth was bathed in sunlight for the first time.

The centuries before Jesus was born into our world
were similar to the first half of creation week. God
spoke through various men as prophets. Their words
shone through the darkness of sin to show the world's
need for a Savior and to share God's gracious promise
to send His own Son as that Savior. All those who
believed were saved through faith in that promised Son,
including Old Testament heroes like Noah, Abraham,
Isaac and Jacob, Moses and King David.

But now as the first Christmas draws near, a new light
is about to dawn. God's own Son, the Light of the world,
is ready to burst forth and enlighten every man just as
the rising sun illuminates every forest, hill, mountain
and lake, taking its place in the sky.

The Christmas Child is God's bright Light, casting out
our darkness and illuminating the path to heaven. On
the Last Day, Christ Jesus will return to judge the world,
and we will see Him break through the clouds and be
our Light forever.

THE PRAYER: 

Lord Jesus, shine in my heart and guide me on the path
to heaven. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)