The First Of Two Angels

John 1:6-8 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.  He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.  He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

John 1:9&10 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.

The day-after-Christmas sales were in full swing yesterday. I tried to avoid the crowds at the return lines. I had to go to the home improvement store to pick up a set of wire clippers and "found" a bargain in the form of an angel holding a dove. It was on sale (50% off the normal price). I could not resist. I now have two angels. One with a candle and one with a dove to stand on either side of our fireplace. Very pretty reminders of a couple of biblical truths. Jesus the light of the world, and the Holy Spirit that descends from the Father to give comfort and faith.

Christmas 2012 has come and gone.  All the preparations for the big Christmas Eve three-worship-services at Grace Lutheran resulted in three beautiful reminders of the birth of a savior.  The world desperately needed and still needs that same savior Jesus Christ. The scriptures, the messages, the nativity scene, and the music all glorified God in the Father-Son-Holy Spirit. The most interesting aspect of the services for me personally was when some people I casually know, who worship at another church and as far as I know have never been to Grace, attended one of our Christmas Eve services. I have been reflecting on this for the past couple of days. It was a real puzzler for me, and then at 5:00 AM this morning it came to me. (I have to be honest, I do not appreciate God's sense of humor at times. He gives me these spiritual shoves when I would rather be sleeping.)  But the truth of why is humbling and insightful.  We, (Grace Lutheran & You & I,) are to be just like John the Baptist.  Our role is not to glorify ourselves in what we do in service to the Lord. Rather, our role is to point to the true light of the world in all that we do.  People in our world need to see the light of Christ just as much as when he has born in a manger in Bethlehem.  Our world is every bit as broken now as it was in biblical times.  Sin still exists, nothing new there. Same world where some do not know God, some still try to earn salvation, and some worship false gods.  Yet there you and I stand with an opportunity to share the light of Christ.  We may not be as brilliant as the star over Bethlehem pointing the Magi to the manger.  Yet each of us in our own way, with gifts from God the Father, have a role in sharing the light.  John 1:9&10  tells it as it was and still is today. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.  There are people in this world who do not know Christ. There are people who know a false Christ.  And it is our job to show the lost and confused the real Christ in all that we say and do.  We are a witness, just as John bore witness to Christ.  We need to share the love and light of Jesus because others before us have done so in service to the Lord.  Having my angel with the candle reminds me of that very simple truth and imperative.  Just go out and share the light.

PRAYER: Father, Your Son came into this world to bring light into a world lost in the darkness of sin. The darkness did not overcome him. And we are forever thankful for that simple truth.  Help us Father to share that truth and the light of Christ with a world that remains lost.  Guide us in fulfilling Your will in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. We ask this in the name of the light of the world, Jesus Christ, Amen.