Read: John 1:1-14 Key verses: "In Him was life and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overpower it." John 1:4,5
"And the glory of the Lord shone round about them." Luke 2:9b
On this Christmas Eve night many people will celebrate Christ's birth by going to a candlelight service. I love the symbolism of the candlelight service! The Bible tells us that this little baby that came into the world was (and still is) Life and that this Life was (and still is) the Light in a dark world. Even the smallest light can light up a large room. A single candle burning can give light to an entire worship center. The darkness just disappears in the presence of one small candle just as the baby Jesus dispels the gloom just by His coming. Where does the darkness go? It goes nowhere--it simply ceases to exist. This is a truth that I love to preach! But I must learn, as we all must, that it is a truth not only for the mind but for the heart. Can I honestly say that I have allowed the Life--this Light to be in my heart to the extent that I have no gloom? My desire is to let this night be for me a "silent night, holy night, darkness flies all is light...Son of God, loves pure light."
In the candlelight service we each receive light from each other, but all coming originally from the one light that represents the true Light. The room becomes even brighter because we have received the light, shared it with others and they have received it. We are meant to share the Light because HE is the Light of the world. He dispels the darkness, but incredibly , uses us to make it happen! I like for the congregation to sing "Joy to the World" at the end of the candlelight service and to raise their candles on the last verse if Jesus is their Lord. "He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love."
Wherever Christ is believed and proclaimed, His light--His glory shines!
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