Over the Judean hills there rang a voice that has echoed across the centuries and around the world, “For unto you is born a savior, which is Christ the Lord.” This pivotal event in all of history was announced in the temple of shepherds, but has changed the course of palaces and nations.
The place of that first Christmas service was not in the Temple of Jerusalem, dedicated to God by Solomon, where crowds gathered to worship Jehovah through the centuries. No, it was under the silent stars, at the dark of night when the surrounding world slept.
Darkness was dispelled in the physical world that night both by a strangely magnificent star over Bethlehem, and by the light of the glory of God in the presence of an angel chorus.
Darkness was dispelled in the spiritual world that night as well, as the perfect, holy Son of God was born in a manger. His light has been the only light this sinful world has had. His light is the only light this sinful world so desperately needs.
From the time of Adam and Eve’s sin, God had been ready with a plan of rescue for mankind. From the words God spoke to the serpent in Genesis 3, “He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” to the time of Isaiah’s prophecy, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light…” and throughout the whole of the Old Testament, the eye of history was craning forward, waiting.
The world held its breath, waiting for the dawn of the Son of Righteousness. As we look towards Christmas, let’s turn again to face the brightness, the warmth, the power of the Light.
Dear Heavenly Father, how can we thank You for interrupting history to come in to our lives, into our world, into our souls? We praise You for the Light that dispels the darkness of sin. We praise You for the Light that lights our way. We praise You for the Light that guides us to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.