“Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” James 1:16-18 ESV
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 ESV
I love white Christmas lights. They’re in my classroom. They’re on my Christmas tree. They’re on wreaths on my barn doors. There’s something about them I find peaceful and comforting. They’ve been an especially welcomed sight this past week as I pulled into my driveway after long days and evening performances. You can’t miss them in the darkness. In fact, they shine brighter when surrounded by shadows and blackness. Jesus is the Light of the World. He shines bright in our darkness, and He can’t be missed. . . if we pause in the holiday business and look to Him.
Listen: “Noel”
Listen: “A King Like This”
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons, And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” Galatians 4:4-7 ESV
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.’” Matthew 16: 13-17 NIV
The name Messiah comes from the Hebrew mashiach, which means “anointed one” or “chosen one” (Christianity.com). Throughout the Old Testament we read of people being anointed to fulfill specific purposes, whether as a priest, a prophet, or a king. We also read prophecies about God sending one who would save His people, which is why people in the New Testament were waiting and searching for their Messiah. But everything happened according to God’s timing.
Listen: “O Holy Night”
In what ways do you see Jesus as your Light and Messiah?