For so many of us, this year has felt very dark. In the timeline of history, this is not necessarily novel, in fact we even have a time period labeled the Dark Ages. However, for most of us alive today we could argue that this has been one of the darkest times in recent memory.
As we have approached the Christmas season, I have noticed that there are quite a few people hoping Christmas, with all of the cheer we usually associate with it, will somehow redeem this difficult year. While this is not inherently wrong, if we are just relying on the trappings of Christmas to lighten our mood, we still might find ourselves stumbling around in the dark.
To find out how Christmas is really going to save the year, we have to go all the way back to the very first one. That first Christmas was filled with light: there was the star that shone over the place Jesus was born; there was the glory that shone over the shepherds when the angels announced the news of Jesus’ birth; and in fact, John the Baptist does not call Jesus by name, but instead refers to Him as, “The true Light, which enlightens everyone…coming into the world.” (John 1:9)
The entire reason Jesus came to earth was to bring light into darkness. The world had been languishing in sin and evil since Adam and Eve had first disobeyed in the garden. All of history was leading up to that moment when the angels, surrounded by the glory of heaven, announced the Messiah’s birth.
Every year we get to be a part of a reenactment of sorts of that first Christmas as we count down to Christmas Day. If we allow Jesus as our Savior to bring His light into our hearts and accept His gift of salvation, Christmas truly can save our year, and our eternity as well!
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” Isaiah 9:2
“I, (Jesus) have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in Me may not remain in darkness.” John 12:46
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