Imagine the scene with me: night falls, and in the Temple, in the Court of the Women, choirs of Levites sing while sixteen golden bowls filled with oil (four bowls sitting on four large stands, reached by ladders) are lit. The light was said to have illuminated all Jerusalem. In this setting, Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
Remember the apostle John's words in John 1:9, "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world." In a time without electricity, darkness was a serious concern. The promise of Jesus to be a person's light in darkness was a tangible application for all.
Today, though, with modern technology, one never has to be in the physical dark if one chooses not to be. The distraction of lesser lights often blinds us to the real darkness in our world and in our own souls.
This Advent, I invite you to choose to turn off all other lights and, as night falls, light a candle, taking time to reflect on what it means for Jesus to be the light of your world. Is He the source and supply of your hope? Do you allow space for Him to speak about the darkness around and within? How may He want to light up those places? How will you direct your mind and heart towards the true Light this season?
Pastor Melissa Chaffee
Pray
- Pray that those who attend our service today will have a meaningful encounter with God.
- Pray for our Children’s Ministry Pastor, Brianna Pearson, and the Children’s Ministry Associate, Annette Faszer.
- Pray for their Assistants: Judah, Clarissa, Tirza, Lily, Sylvie, Jessica, Olivia and Adelynn.