“The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.“
Isaiah 9:2
I have been watching our world these past few months. There are so many areas of the world where darkness seems to try and shroud the Light. Wars, random shootings and violence, injustices toward many groups of people on account of some others powering up and wanting to control others. I fear for the safety of many people in our world and among the nations as we enter into a New Year. Yet, fear, isolation, anger, hatred toward others is not the final Word.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world – I really like that word “World.” It is not just the people that we know. Not just people like us. God loves the Kosmos (Greek). God loves the entirety of all creation. This evening, this night in the wee hours of the dawning day the Light of God was birthed into humanity and all of creation.
“Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:10b-12
The joy of Christmas is in the reality that no longer is the love, life, and spirit of Jesus trapped in the manger inside an infant body. The joy and reality of the Christmas dawning is that the Spirit of God is breathed into every life through all of creation. The gift of Jesus’ Holy Spirit is given to you this day from the City of David into your heart anew!
Today’s Prayer Practice
My gift to you this Christmas Day is the gift of time to sit with Jesus. The Holy Spirit of Jesus is born this day into our world. Jesus’ Light shines through the darkness of human tendency toward injustices. Hope is born for us to dream forward into this New Year.
For this joyous Christmas Day, please pray with these Scriptures and listen for God’s Word leading you into the New Year.
Enjoy Praying.
