TRUE LIGHT:
Christmas Lights are an integral part of the Christmas celebration. It is true that Christmas has always focused on the Light coming into darkness and the truth of the Savior born in Bethlehem, but have you ever thought of how ironic it is that the world is confessing the Light every time they light the tree or their homes?
Tonight as we hear from the God's Word we will ponder the fulfillment of the promise of Isaiah 9 and the truth of the Angel's presence in Luke 2.
Is. 9:2-7 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before You as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, You have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
As we light the candles, light our trees, light our houses we are proclaiming the fulfillment of this promise of the true light that has appeared and that shines the truth into our world. We have the privilege of sharing Christ's light by sharing our faith and lives. True lights!
Christmas Day: The Glory of the Lord! 10:30 at EMU
Today we celebrate the truth of the GLORY of the Lord that the Shepherds experienced in the fields nearby Bethlehem that ushered in the Angel Chorus. We celebrate the truth of the Glory of the Lord that is present among HIS people through Word and Sacrament! What a glorious day to celebrate and bask in HIS Glory!
The Feast of St. Stephen Sunday: December 26th 10:15 and 4pm @ ALIVE!
What do you see? St. Stephen saw Jesus sitting at the right hand of the throne of God! In Acts 7: 54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
So the question for us on this Feast of St. Stephen's Day is what do we see? On this Boxing Day in British countries and Day after Christmas, like Good King Wenceslas as in the Christmas Carol. How has the truth of Christmas affected us? What do we see?
No comments:
Post a Comment