2 Corinthians 4:6
For the God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” is the same one who made light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the person of Jesus Christ.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We hear these words in preparation for the day we celebrate your Son’s birth. The world was trapped in the darkness of their sins, but Jesus restored us to you through his holy life and innocent death on the cross. One might wonder why we focus on Good Friday and Easter at Christmas. It is because the little hands of that infant in the manger would one day be pierced through with nails to suffer the punishment of our sins.
We often hear of peace and joy at Christmas, but the peace the world desires will never happen because it’s not connected with your Son. The world hopes wars will cease if we decide to be better and people will get along. However, this is a false hope because we live in a sinful world corrupted by pride, greed, and conceit.
Instead, the light of the world comes through faith in Jesus. He came into the world to remove sin and defeat death and the devil, which he accomplished on the cross. What a wonderful gift that he restored us to you, and this is true peace knowing we have been forgiven of all our sins. The joy is knowing you are our heavenly Father; you watch over us, limiting evil that comes our way, and when our time of grace is complete, we will be with you in heaven forever.
Let us hear your word and know the light that has come out of the darkness will shine through us as we walk by faith in Jesus. Create a change in our hearts through your Word, and let our light shine in the world to bring true peace to those around us. Grant us opportunities to share your love and mercy with those who do not know you, and let that change their hearts so they can see the light of Christ that has shined out of the darkness. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Light always overcomes darkness. Receive the light of Christ coming to you; know he has already forgiven all your sins so that you will receive the gifts of salvation and eternal life through faith. It is yours, already delivered to you, and received by faith in Jesus.