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.