More than ever before, I love Christmas. I am certainly not talking about the seduction of pace, the relentless press of media to buy or the empty promise of things to make one happy. I am talking about something different – very different! In the midst of the muddled mess of struggling humanity around me, within the mess of my own muddled humanity, I love Christmas.
I love Christ-mass!!
Over this advent season I have been reflecting on the stark, pointed reality of John 1:1-14 NIV. The word that has caught my attention is “DARKNESS”. Verse 5 says…
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome (understood) it.”
Jesus came at Christmas to shine “light” into the darkness of my heart and yours. Reflecting on “Christ-mass” has caused me to be even more aware of my deep need for His light. I need His brilliant, “full of grace and truth”, light to shine on the pervasive darkness in those moments of my…
…need for the approval of others
…independent spirit
…lust
…compulsions to take on more than is good for me and others
…listening to lies and not focusing on Truth
…judgmental spirit
…, and how about this one… my need to be right.
I could keep going! I suspect you get the point.
When I seriously consider what I would be like without the Light shining into the darkness of my heart, I shudder! Literally!
My prayer for you is the same. Oh that you would shudder, literally shudder, as you consider the darkness of your own heart.
It’s when you and I “shudder” at the reality of our own darkness that His Light can begin to truly shine within us. Romans 7:21-25 NIV paints a beautiful picture of Christmas for you and me.
So “shudder” with me this Christmas. Choose to allow the light of the ‘One who has rescued us’ to shine into your darkness.
A Maverick Application
- Choose to find solitude and reflect on John 1:1-14.
- Are you willing to ask Jesus to shine His light into your heart? What’s your answer?
- What darkness is He illuminating in you? Declare your deep need for Him.
- Choose to receive His rescue. Enjoy His joy!
- Who will you share this with?
