Today we continue our season of Advent to prepare our hearts for Christmas. Our theme this year is “Let There Be Light!” All throughout Scripture God is said to be light and to radiate light and to shine light, overcoming the darkness in our world and in our hearts.
Because Christ has already come to us once and brought light into this world, the white Christ Candle has already been lit and will remain lit the entire Advent season. Last week lit the Candle of Hope.
Today we light the Candle of Peace and take our Scripture from Isaiah 9:2-3, 6-7:
2 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. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil… 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
One of the scariest experiences for a human being is to be in total darkness, deep darkness. It’s so disorienting and anxiety-inducing. It’s hard to find your way around, and it’s easy to make mistakes, serious mistakes.
Spiritual darkness is just as scary and even more dangerous than physical darkness. But, God in his love and mercy has shone a light, a great light, in the form of the Christ child. Jesus brings light, scattering the darkness, bringing joy and peace. One of the reasons Jesus is the Prince of Peace is that Jesus is also the great light!
And so we light the Candle of Peace. As the light replaces the darkness, may your fear and anxiety be replaced with the peace of Christ. From our family to yours, “Merry Christmas!”
(Light the 2nd purple candle)
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