It’s advent season once again.
This is the magical time of year where the streets at night are marked by the twinkle of hundreds of tiny lights that shine on a once darkened space and bring joy and delight to those who view them. These lights do more than simply spread cheer but they remind us of the true LIGHT who came in the form of an infant to save the world. It is the time of year where joyful tunes echo out of various shops and restaurants in a warm and inviting manner that seeks to envelope people in love and fills us with a generous spirit desiring to bless others as we have been blessed. This same love represents the love of Christ as he humbled himself by taking on human flesh in order to ransom the sins of Israel and the world. This is advent.
For those that do not know, advent does not simply mean ‘Christmas time’ but instead it speaks of the anticipation leading up to the arrival of a notable person, event, or thing. For Christians we specifically look forward to the second arrival of Christ by remembering his first coming to the earth.
This year advent takes on a new meaning for my team as we prepare to leave for South Africa in a few short weeks. The anticipation we feel for Christ to return is partnered with this same excitement we feel as we look forward to the work that God will do in amazing ways this next year as we spread LIGHT into dark places of the world. This reminds me of the words of John in his gospel,
My favorite song this time of year is titled O Come O Come Emmanuel. This song captures the cries of Israel as they await their Savior Emmanuel, meaning God with us, to come and save them from the darkness that is in this world. Darkness is scary, but darkness is only the absence of light. Christ is that LIGHT and as he works through us we are able to no longer fear darkness because he has OVERCOME it. This song also reminds me of the saving nature of Christ and how we are now able to REJOICE because the victory over darkness is ours.
My team is experiencing some of this darkness as we prepare to leave. Discouragement and fear are making themselves known, and my prayer is that we could remember that LIGHT wins. If you would partner with me in praying for us during this final season of anticipation and preparation I would greatly appreciate it. I also pray that you would experience the light of Christ in your life and the love that he has for you daily, so that you might be renewed and filled with that light.
So during this season of advent as you hear a Christmas song, receive a gift from a loved one, or go down your street seeing all the Christmas lights I challenge you to remember the true LIGHT, who his Christ, and allow him to fill you with hope, love, and power to spread his light to others.
Here is a beautiful rendition of the song O Come O Come Emmanuel, performed by two of my classmates at Biola. Worship along with them as they sing.
