Christmas Eve—December 24, 2021
Isaiah 9:2
True Light
Thought for Today: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” Isaiah 9:2a (NRSV)
For many days now, buying gifts, listening to holiday songs, sending greetings, trimming the tree and a host of other activities make up what Christmas has become. We often say that after all of the festivities, we need to take a vacation or go on a diet!
When I was pastoring a downtown inner-city church, attendance on Christmas Sunday was full. But on Christmas Eve, only the few and sometimes those who felt obligated came. I have often quipped that coming to the Christmas Eve service is when one truly hears the Good News.
Isaiah in the latter half of the 8th century BCE was opposing Assyrian aggression. This was a dark time including the situation that the people adopted beliefs and rituals from others. The prophet was begging Israel not to be contaminated with beliefs of other nations around them.
On Christmas Eve, the darkness outside reminds us that as we may continue to be in darkness, we have seen a great light in the birth of Jesus Christ who is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The deep darkness in the world is not forever when we know the true light who has come and is still coming into the world.
The Christmas holiday wherever in the world is celebrated commercially and culturally. We can enjoy the fun and excitement. But on this holiest of nights, we anticipate the birth of a child born for us, a son given to us and all authority rests on his shoulders. For tonight, Jesus Christ is born!
Prayer: O God, grant us the true light in our deep dark world so that we may walk with you in faith. In the name of the Light of the world, we pray. Amen.
Donald Ng, Sausalito, CA