Saturday, December 12, 2020 … An Advent of Peace

“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

Maybe it’s the kid in me, but I have always delighted in the many lights of Christmas. The twinkly, white lights on the tree, the warm glow of candlelight, the ambience of firelight, the sparkle of glass globe ornaments, and the glisten of dewdrops on the last of my blooming roses. How fitting that we celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ during this, the darkest time of the year and during these very dark pandemic times.

But as we prepare our hearts for Jesus during this Advent season amidst the bright illumination of all kinds of lights, we are reminded that Jesus’ love glows brightest of all. He continues to light the difficult paths we walk and is a beacon at the end of the long, dark tunnel that has been 2020. He alone puts a happy song in our hearts and a smile of joyful anticipation on our faces! We know we will get through these tough times because He is with us. His rod and his staff, they comfort us as His light shines upon our faces. May we rejoice in the gift that is Jesus with every twinkle, glow, shimmer, and sparkle we see this Advent. And I, for one, plan on keeping my house aglow well into the New Year!

Father in heaven, what joy the lights of Christmas bring to our weary hearts, for they remind us of your promises to illuminate our paths forward until we walk towards the final glow of the crown of life! May we rejoice in the beauty of Christmas and the love that Jesus brings to our dark world! And may we share our light with those who are enveloped in the heaviness of these current trials. With radiant hearts, we say Amen!

Debra U., Morgan Hill United Methodist Church