Two thousand and twenty-four years ago, a brilliant star shone above Bethlehem in the darkness of a long night. It was a sign of the fulfillment of God’s very first promise to man—to crush the head of the serpent—and the greatest evidence of His longsuffering faithfulness. It garnered the attention of a king and lowly shepherds alike. It brought a choir of angels to sing our Messiah’s praises and, more importantly, it brought salvation and redemption to sinful man. It brought light to our spiritual darkness and woes. The star of Bethlehem and the angels announced that God had come in the form of an infant—a spotless lamb that would be sacrificed for our sins. Thousands of years later, we have come to a greater understanding of the revelation of Jesus Christ.
As we begin a new year, we should take a moment to reflect on what this means for our lives. We, as a church body, celebrate God’s promises to us. Like the woman at the well, we shout with uncontained joy at the knowledge of our salvation and the complete realization of God’s steadfast love.
As Jesus says in the Gospel of Matthew 5:14-16, CSB: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
But we must ask, “What does it mean to be the light of the world?” If we are to be a light, we cannot have our own darkness dampen the light of Jesus Christ. To that end, we must follow God’s command and have mastery over ourselves. We cannot be slaves to sin. We must be disciplined to keep ourselves far from sin.
As Jesus says in Matthew 5:29-30, CSB: “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” We must rid ourselves of all the stumbling blocks that are placed before us. It is one thing to say that you should keep yourselves from temptation, but let’s not forget that temptation is rather tempting. We must always be on guard to see those things which draw us away from God.
We are all unique beings with our own cross to bear. Reflect on yourself. What draws you to sin, as it will not be the same as others? Does politics drive you to hate your fellow man? Discuss it no longer, as we must love each other. Does drinking lead you to say and do that which you would never do sober? Abstain from drink and guard your tongue from an ill word. Does television lead you to indolence? Turn it off and do the work of the Kingdom. Does the giving of gifts lead you to seek man’s recognition of your good? Take your name off the gifts you give, for you are storing much greater gifts in Heaven.
The path is wide to sin, but the gate to salvation is narrow. The world’s diverse pleasures cannot coexist in us with the pleasure of our King. As Jesus says in Luke 9:23, CSB: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me.” To make God’s light more brilliant in yourself, read your Bible and meditate on it daily, pray without ceasing, ask God for forgiveness of your sins—both those you are aware of and unaware of, and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in all that you do, and, most importantly, love all, including your enemies, as Christ loves us.
Remember Jesus’s words in Luke 6:32, CSB: “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.”
Once we have purged ourselves of darkness, Jesus’s light can shine more brightly in us. We can shine our light before others unimpeded by our own faults. I beg your forgiveness, dear reader, as I have not yet answered the question, “What does it mean to be the light of the world?” To be the light of the world, we must follow the perfect example of Jesus Christ.
As Pastor David has said on many occasions, “More of you, God, and less of me.” In the next few days, as we step into the new year, we should do the following: give without expectation or reservation, as God has given His Son as a ransom for us; love without provocation, as Jesus loved us; show yourself as an example of Christ, and unashamedly praise God to all without fear, like Daniel.
Our American society has become a milieu of secularism, which is no more evident than in this “Holiday” season, and remembrance of our Lord’s birth has become secondary to the disconnected traditions of “X-mas.” But take heart, dear reader, like people fumbling in a dark room, Americans are searching for the light and meaning in the season. God commands you: Be that light in that dark room. The greatest gift you can ever give someone is the revelation of Jesus Christ. Shout out the joyous good news an infant brought us two thousand and twenty-four years ago.
Happy New Year and goodwill towards all men! God bless you, and may God’s glory reign throughout the Earth!
God is light. We hear this all the time as part of our normal “Christian-ese.” Even people who aren’t believers say things during others’ hard times, such as “sending you love and light” and “sending light your way.” But there is one true source of all light. What IS this light and how powerful is it?
God is the light to our world and our spirits. He is LIVING breathing that is self-powered so that no darkness can overcome it. Darkness has no place to go in the presence of this light. As humans who have yet to experience heaven, we cannot fully comprehend God’s light, as we are limited by our earthly understanding, but it is a light that conquers all sin and darkness.
When we think of light, we may think of the burning star that lights our planet daily (the Sun), or a lightbulb where the light is conducted through electricity. You may even think of a fire or a candle. God’s light is so powerful that it exists all on its own as a living light. It conquers all evil and darkness because God’s light emits from His own power, His own goodness, and His own holiness. God Himself is the light.
Revelation 21:23-24, CSB says a day is coming where: “The city does not need the moon or the sun to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.” It is so powerful that it has conquered the works of Satan and the evil that wreaks havoc on earth, as we have been shown by Jesus when He walked the earth.
There are several powerful examples of how Jesus conquered darkness throughout the Bible. John 1:1-5, CSB tells us that in the beginning was the Word and the Word was LIGHT. And Genesis 1:2-4, CSB tells us: “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness.”
God’s Word alone was the light and provided the light. On day one of earth’s conception, God separated light from darkness, and since then, these two concepts cannot co-exist. Where light is, darkness may not prevail.
The most poignant example, of course, is Jesus’ death and His miracle resurrection. This is the defining event of our Christian faith. After Jesus was brutally mocked and murdered and left to die, darkness covered the land for three hours… in the middle of the day!
I can imagine people slowly and solemnly sauntering away from the scene of the crosses. Maybe they were sad that this beautiful age of Jesus walking with them was over. There would be no more healing, no more teachings, and no more miracles. (Or so they thought!) Maybe they began wondering if He truly was the Son of God.
But then, three days later, to everyone’s surprise, Jesus rose from death. He rose from the darkest and most permanent state a human body can experience—the death of the body. He took on ALL sin. ALL darkness. ALL hopelessness. And then made a mockery of death in His resurrection.
We are all invited to participate in this power through the Holy Spirit. John 12:31-33, CSB, says, Jesus’ death and resurrection defeated the powers of darkness that controlled the world. We are all invited to live in the light of Jesus. Jesus’ light is not only a physical shining light but our spiritual light, our guiding light when we feel darkness all around us. He is our hope for a future and the overcoming of our sins.
How can we show this eternal light to others? How can we be this light for others through the authority given to us by Christ? We do not need to worry because this is not in our power but through Him alone!
While we often view Jesus’ primary mission on Earth as securing our salvation, His work went far beyond simply redeeming humanity. His time on the cross and His ministry before it revealed a much greater purpose. He came not only to bear the penalty for sin but also to confront and destroy the very essence of darkness and sin itself, addressing its roots in both the spiritual and earthly realms.
“The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God was revealed: to destroy the works of the devil.”1 John 3:8, CSB
To understand the scope of His full mission, we must first consider the origins of darkness. Scripture identifies sin as a rebellion that began not on Earth but in Heaven.
“Then war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But the dragon was not strong enough to prevail, so there was no longer any place left in heaven for him and his angels. So that huge dragon—the ancient serpent, the one called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world—was thrown down to the earth, and his angels along with him.”Revelation 12:7-9, NET
Sin and all its effects had to be eradicated without destroying humanity. This is similar to modern cancer treatment, where the goal is to eliminate the cancer and its harmful impact while preserving as much of the patient’s healthy body as possible. In the same way, darkness and sin were pervasive forces that had to be confronted, and the rebellious heavenly influences had to be dealt with and removed.
“Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, he likewise shared in their humanity, so that through death he could destroy the one who holds the power of death (that is, the devil), and set free those who were held in slavery all their lives by their fear of death. For surely his concern is not for angels, but he is concerned for Abraham’s descendants.”Hebrews 2:14-16, NET
“And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these He has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.”Jude 1:6, NIV
“For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but threw them into hell and locked them up in chains in utter darkness, to be kept until the judgment…”2 Peter 2:4, NET
Through His death, Jesus achieved a decisive victory over the spiritual forces of evil. As Paul writes:
“Having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”Colossians 2:15, NIV
This triumph assures believers that evil’s grip is broken and that the power of light will always overcome darkness (John 1:5). The victory on the cross over all types and forms of evil was complete and total.
“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”Colossians 2:13-15, NIV
“Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”Hebrews 2:14-15, NIV
“He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church.”Ephesians 1:20-22, NIV
The dark powers were completely caught off guard by what God was doing on the Cross. If they had known, they would not have crucified Him.
“Now we do speak wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are perishing. Instead, we speak the wisdom of God, hidden in a mystery, that God determined before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood it. If they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”1 Corinthians 2:6-8, NET
And now all humanity has the opportunity to walk free of the power of evil through the work of the Cross.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”Romans 8:38-39, NIV
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.’”Matthew 28:18, NIV
“Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”Philippians 2:9-11, NIV
These passages affirm that Jesus’ work on the cross not only secured our salvation but also displayed His victory over sin, death, and the spiritual forces of evil. His triumph allows believers to live in freedom, fully confident in His ultimate authority over all powers. Through the cross, He opened the door for all of humanity and creation itself to walk in His light and truth. We each must choose to walk through that door, and one day, all of creation will follow.
In the world, there shines a light—the redeeming light of Jesus Christ. When we come to Jesus, we are invited to step out of the shadows of sin into the brilliant, transformative light that only He can provide. This light is the key to a new identity—one grounded in righteousness, freedom, and grace. The Bible speaks of Jesus as the true light, the One who came to pierce the darkness of sin and offer us salvation.
Jesus’ birth is the fulfillment of God’s plan to restore humanity’s broken identity through His life, death, and resurrection (Galatians 4:4-5). Advent reminds us that our identity is not rooted in our flaws or failures but in God’s redemptive love. Advent is a time to reflect on this familial relationship and live into our identity as part of God’s family.
I remember, as a small child, a heavy emphasis was placed on wealth, my appearance, and how well I kept my room. I could do nothing to please my mother. She found faults and flaws in everything. I did not know what a compliment was or how to give or receive one. I also longed to hear the words “I love you” and desperately wanted affection—a hug or pat on my head, someone to hold my hand, anything just to know I was wanted and loved. I was told that children are to be seen and not heard.
By the time I reached adulthood, my identity was found in my physical appearance, material possessions, perfectionism, performance, and overachievement. This couldn’t have been farther from the truth. When I finally emerged from the darkness, it was like a massive transformation—so unbelievable that I was afraid someone would think I was playing cards with a handful of jokers.
I knew that I knew—when I felt that massive weight lifted from me—that I was a new creation. I knew without a doubt I was not the same person, nor would I ever be that old person again. The enemy still tries to get his foot in the door of my identity, but he’s got the wrong person. I know who I am in Christ. I know my God-given identity. I know what God feels about me, what He says about me, the promises He gave to me, and the inheritance I will receive from Him. It can be found in scripture. Please don’t let the enemy rob you of your identity. Memorize the acronym below and say it until you believe it.
In Christ, I am made new, defined by God’s love, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and a new creation in Christ, transformed by the renewing of my mind. Inheritor of God’s promises while tethered to God’s grace, I am God’s masterpiece. I.D.E.N.T.I.T.Y.
We are image-bearers with our identity in God as we are made in His likeness. God sees you as someone He deeply and unconditionally loves. His love is not based on your performance but on His unchanging nature.
Through Christ’s sacrifice, God sees you as righteous—holy and blameless in His sight. God sees you as an overcomer, empowered by His Spirit to walk in victory over sin, fear, and the enemy. In Christ, God sees you as loved, chosen, forgiven, righteous, His child, a new creation, valuable, and victorious. This identity is secure and unchanging, anchored in His grace and faithfulness.
Advent is a profound season that draws us deeper into understanding our God-given identity through the story of Jesus’ birth and its implications for our lives today.
Understanding your identity in Christ—how God sees you—is foundational to living a life of faith, freedom, and purpose. The Bible reveals that God sees you through the lens of Christ’s work, not your shortcomings.
When Jesus redeems us, He doesn’t just forgive our sins; He gives us a new identity. As believers, we are called to live out this new identity every day. Galatians 5:1, NIV, declares, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” This new identity is a profound shift. 2 Corinthians 5:17, CSB, reminds us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Our old life, marked by sin and death, has been replaced with a life of righteousness and freedom.
Remember, you are a new creation, redeemed by the blood of Jesus. Live in the freedom He has provided, and let His light shine brightly in your life. John 12:46, NIV, assures us, “I have come into the world as a light so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” Step out of the darkness, walk in His light, and live as the redeemed child of God that you are.
I am sitting at my desk writing this short essay for the Hope Church Advent series. So, I have been thinking about my very limited experience with Advent.
As a child, I attended a small Southern Baptist church. It was a long time ago. As far as I remember, Advent was not mentioned in my home church.
Some years later, in my late thirties, with a wife and four kids, we were living in Vermont, working a job, and trying to start a church.
In the town where I lived, each December, I remember hearing about Advent and Advent calendars. I was interested but did not pursue it. That was long ago also. This holiday season at Hope Church, I am taking a closer look at Advent.
I probably do not need to say this, but the season of Advent is a period of preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth—that is Christmas. It is also a time of looking ahead to anticipate the second coming of Jesus.
So, how do I prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth? I like to think about what life might have been like in the towns and villages of Israel. People were living their lives, raising families, and making a living. Most people were not aware that the Messiah had been born in Bethlehem.
The shepherds came to see the baby; they were excited, but within a few days, things were back to normal. People who lived in other cities probably did not know or understand what had happened. Many years passed as Jesus grew up at home with Mary and Joseph, helping care for His siblings and working in Joseph’s carpentry shop. At approximately age 30, His public ministry began.
Jesus said in John 8:12 (NLT): “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
Jesus is the source of all spiritual light in the world. In the same way the moon reflects the sun’s light, I am to reflect the light of Jesus in my life. (The moon has no light of its own; it only reflects the sun.) In a world of darkness, Jesus is our light.
How do I anticipate His second coming? The first step is to have a relationship with Jesus. When I trust and believe Jesus by faith, the Father gives me His righteousness. Righteousness is a big churchy word that means I am in right standing with God, and my sins are forgiven.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9, NKJV
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9, NKJV
“…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10, NKJV
“For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13, NKJV
Celebrating Advent is not required for Christians. The Bible does not mention it. But Advent is a good reminder during this hectic season to slow down and remember what this season is all about.
The first Advent (appearance) was the birth of Jesus 2,000 years ago, which was prophesied by Isaiah around 700 years before Jesus was born.
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6-7, NKJV
What can we do every day while we look for the second coming?
Remember that you are a reflection of the light of Jesus to this world.
Love and encourage one another.
Live as if today were the day.
Keep on doing the work He left us to do.
Go sit on the deck or someplace quiet and think about the goodness of God. Think about what He has done for you.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.” Psalm 23:6, NKJV
The holiday season can get pretty frantic. It is easy to get overwhelmed. With all the gifts, giving, trees, lights, parties, shopping, and many other distractions, it is easy to let Jesus drop into the background. It will take an effort on your part to keep Jesus at the front of the line.
Read the nativity stories in Matthew chapters 1 and 2 and Luke chapter 2. Think about the plan of God to send His Son Jesus into the world, to be born as a child, live a sinless life, die a cruel death on a cross, and be raised from the dead to save us from our sins.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16, NKJV
Think about this Advent season.
Celebrate the birth of Jesus and all the joy that comes with it.
Look forward to that day when Jesus comes back and we spend eternity with Him.
Read your Bible. It is God’s Word on how to live.
If you have questions, ask someone. Lots of help is available. Share Jesus with someone. That would be the best gift ever.
Where to start? Probably best to start at the beginning…
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:1-5, NIV
He came with purpose—for a purpose. To save us. To redeem us. To become for us the Redeeming Light. So how can we, in this precious Advent season, remember, rejoice in, and share all that He has done for us? Perhaps by reflecting on where we, each one, individually began:
“Indeed, I was guilty when I was born; I was sinful when my mother conceived me.” Psalm 51:5, CSB
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23, CSB
How do those scriptures hit your heart? Are you inclined, as am I, to affirm the following in light of them?
“For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well.” Psalm 139:13-14, CSB
God knew His redemptive purposes, for your life and mine, from the very beginning! And He both had and has a plan!
“But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8, CSB
Hey, wait a minute, aren’t we talking about Jesus’ birth? The nativity? What’s this about His death? He came with purpose—for a purpose.
“He says, ‘It is not enough for you to be my servant, raising up the tribes of Jacob and restoring the protected ones of Israel. I will also make you a light for the nations, to be my salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Isaiah 49:6, CSB
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29, NIV
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’.” John 14:6, NIV
“He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:10-12, NIV
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1a, NIV
The Redeeming Light shines upon us! How then shall we live? As beloved children of our Heavenly Father, co-heirs with Jesus, who laid down His life for us, that we might live in, and share, His Redeeming Light!
Perhaps you’d like to pray along with me, using His Word, His living and redemptive Word, as a guide:
Oh Lord, our gracious and compassionate Lord, You spoke through Your beloved disciple, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). You were with God in the beginning. And in Your compassion, and by Your grace, You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well (Psalm 139:13-14). You sought me when I was a sinner, and You revealed to me that You laid down Your life for me. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13). And that is what You call me—Friend. When I received You as my Savior by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:9), I realized that You are Who You say You are and that You will do what You say You will do (John 14:20). I became a child of Yours (John 1:12, 1 John 3:1a), born with purpose for a purpose, to live out the redemption story You have for my life! Thank You for Your indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17). Help me walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), as His fruit flourishes in and through my life (Galatians 5:22-23). I know that Your Holy Spirit will guide me into all truth, help me to obey You, and empower me to do Your work (John 16:7, 13; Acts 1:8; Galatians 5:16). Whatever I do, whether in word or deed, help me do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to and praise to You (Colossians 3:17). In Jesus Name, Amen.
How grateful I am that Jesus is the Redeeming Light in my life, and in the lives of all who call Him Savior and Lord. His was not an easy life—born amidst controversy and chaos, but He lived and died surrendered to His Father’s will and is now interceding for us at His Father’s right hand.
