Advent: The Christ Candle

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV)

Christmon Tree--Trinity UMC--Albia, IA. Personal Photo

Note:  This is a re-post from last year with some editing.  I am currently in the process of discerning about writing some additional posts looking at Jesus’ birth prophesied in the Old Testament, so there may be a few additional posts in the coming weeks (likely in 2017).

*A special time of year is upon us—the season of Advent.  On November 27, 2016, we marked the first Sunday of Advent; this post takes a look at the fourth candle.  To read the previous posts in my Advent series please see: Advent, The Candle of Hope, The Candle of Peace, The Candle of Joy, and The Candle of Love. 

This post concludes the Advent series.  Thank you for reading and joining me in this journey through Advent.  My prayer for you is that this season was a time of considering the true meaning of the season.

Word Cloud creation of K. Jolly.  All Rights Reserved.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n, and heav’n, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.[1]

Indeed, there was great joy many years ago when Jesus Christ came as a tiny baby who grew and developed like every human being.  He came the first time as Savior; He is coming again, as a warrior king who will rule and reign over the world He created.  The joy experienced on that first Christmas Day is available for us today.

Word Cloud creation of K. Jolly. All Rights Reserved.

On Christmas Eve, we light the final candle on the Advent wreath—the Christ Candle.  Jesus Christ is the Light of the World!  No matter how the dark the world appears to be, the smallest light can overcome that darkness.  This is seen in candlelight services, when the Christ candle is used to light the candles in the congregation.  As the light moves from candle to candle the darkness begins to fade and the light gets brighter.  

As Christians we bring light—the Light of Jesus—to a world that appears to grow darker and more entrenched in sin each day.  I believe that light we have as Christians overcomes the darkness. 

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.  

(John 8:12 KJV)

Banner at Trinity UMC--Albia, IA.  Photo Credit: D. Wright

How do we respond to the Good News that caused the angels to rejoice, the shepherds to leave their sheep, and the magi from the east to leave all behind and go and see the new born king of the Jews? 

What have you decided?  This is a great time to say “yes” to Jesus and ask Him to forgive your sins and come into your heart! 

I would like to encourage you to read, the narrative of Jesus’ birth in the second chapter of Luke verses 2:1-20, what is likely a familiar story to many.  To listen to it being read please click here: Luke 2:1-20

Please take some today to truly focus on Jesus whose birth we celebrate. 

Jesus came to save us and make us whole.  What a reason to celebrate His birth and to look forward to His return!

Who can you share the Good News with today?

Banner at Trinity UMC--Albia, IA. Photo Credit: D. Wright

Please join with me in prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the most amazing gift that we could ever receive, Your only Son Jesus who came to save us from our sins, and Who will one day come again to rule and reign.  Bring to mind the awesomeness of Jesus’ birth and all that He did so long ago.  May we never lose sight of exactly what we gained due to Jesus’ willingness to come to earth and walk amongst us and to die a criminals’ death on the cross and to rise again, so that we could have a way back to You.  Your love is amazing!  Prepare our hearts to truly be a welcoming place for Jesus our Savior and to truly celebrate today the birth of Jesus!  Place within us ears to hear, eyes to see, and a caring heart for others that reflects Your love and care.  Once again, show us how to be a comforting, loving presence to those around us who need to experience Your love and presence with skin on.  Jesus Christ, Immanuel—God with us—our HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE—we praise You!  Help us to truly experience hope, peace, joy, and love during this season of Advent and throughout the year.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

Poinsettias Trinity UMC--Albia, IA. Photo Credit: D. Wright 

Merry Christmas!  May God Bless you richly today and always!  

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[1] Joy to the World Public Domain