True Light was Coming

December 28   

                                                                               

Scripture Reading
Read John 1:9-14 and reflect on the passage.

I have celebrated Christmas, the birth of Jesus, for many years. I knew Jesus came into the world as a child and I knew all the special events surrounding this holiday. But one thing stands out to me right now and that is the Star of Bethlehem.

Like a candle burning bright in our front windows, welcoming friends and family during the holidays, the Star, towering over the manger, is summoning all to draw near. This light served as a beacon of hope, a guiding light pulling all who could see it, to come even closer

Light is an important concept in the Old Testament. God’s first creative act was to form light out of chaos. Light describes how disciples are to live, “put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:12)

Christmas is filled with examples of light: candles on the Advent wreath, lights on our Christmas trees and our houses, and luminaries which line our drives. All bring a bright and secure sense of hope, a knowledge that we are not lost. We have light for our path.  We have Jesus, the Eternal and Guiding Light.

Questions

How does the concept of Jesus as the Light of the World, impact you during this season?

Do you need more light these days? Is your path uncertain? 

Prayer: Dear Jesus, shine Your light on me and show me how best to navigate this troubled world.

Judy Webb

Enough

WEEK TWO - ADVENT DEVOTIONS

DECEMBER 4
Acts 17:22-27a

• Write out the Acts passage
• What images came to mind when you heard these words? 
• How does this passage stretch your understanding of God?

Have someone close in a simple prayer.

Conclude together by saying “We go now in peace, ending this time in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.” Blow out the candle.

The Advent wreath helps us get ready for Jesus. Christians throughout history have tried to ensure the busyness of this season does not overtake their focus. Advent can be an incredible time of spiritual refreshment and renewal!

This week is all about seeing God as enough. Emmanuel. God with us. Jesus did not need us nor did He need our love. God is fully, wholly, and completely love. God, out of goodness and generosity, created this beautiful world. And from that same heart, He came down to us to be with us and live with us, to love us, and heal us.

Here are some other ways you can put your faith into practice with this week’s focus of “Enough.”

For Adults

Get outside this week and find beauty. Breathe in the cold air and give time for your eyes to really take in God’s amazing creation. Thank Him for his goodness. Invite someone to join you on a walk, hike or jog to search for what speaks God’s creativity to you.

For Teens

Get outside this week and find beauty. Breathe in the cold air and give time for your eyes to really take in God’s amazing creation. Slow down and thank Him for his goodness. If you like to take pictures, invite a family member or friend to join you on a search for what speaks God’s creativity to you from nature. Post and share it with others if you like. #ualcgodwithus

For Kids

Take a walk with your kids this week. Make a game out of finding things that look beautiful all around you, such as “I spy…” Once you are done, give thanks together to God for how amazing He is for creating the world. God is good and he loves us!

—Andrea Taphorn & David White

I stand with the Father!

John 8:12 (NIV)
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." 

Why is the dark such a scary place? Small children are often afraid to be left in the dark. Once these fears surface only a night-light will chase them away. How about during a storm, the lights flicker and suddenly the room is plunged into darkness? What do we immediately do?  Dig out the candles and search for the matches.  A collective sign is heard when the flames flicker and the room is finally light.

By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. (Exodus 13:21)

There are times when life is so troubling we feel as though we are stumbling in the dark, not knowing where to turn next. That is when God will go ahead of us to show us how to navigate through dark times.  Often it is that very darkness which shows us the light. When we have light, and once we are brought up out of the darkness, things become clear. We can see the difference between good and bad; right and wrong.

When we enter into the light we can see everything with new, fresh eyes. We see that we were never alone.  It is then we can reject the dark - those friends who took us down dangerous paths and embrace the light of healthy and meaningful relationships with others who live in the light.

I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. (John 8:16)

John 8:12-20