Advent Reading ~In His Word~December 18, 2020
The angels told the shepherds of the Light; they followed
the directions to Bethlehem. The kings, or wise men, found out about the star,
they too followed the star. They rejoiced as they followed it to find the newborn
King of all Kings, the Savior, the Messiah! They say that the star of Bethlehem
was a brighter than the rest star with a longer trail than most. It was
literally there to point the way to Jesus.
The star pointed out the Light of the World!
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the
light of the world. If you follow me, you will not have to walk in darkness,
because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12
I get excited during this week because we get to sing
worship songs as Carolers! It is my family’s tradition to go out around our
neighborhood on either Christmas Eve or Christmas eve eve, as we call the 23rd
and sing songs of the ages spreading joy and comfort to those who are stuck at
home. This year it is even more exciting because we know people will really be
stuck at home! We will sing songs that say ‘love and joy come to you…’ and “Joy
to the world the Light has come!” we will sing of silent night and gather
together as we walk along the streets! Some people wondered if we would still
be Caroling this year but I realized it is an outdoor thing, it is small group…
why not? No matter where you are in the world, if its snowbound or if its hot
desert sun you can sing carols, and songs of worship this week! Gather together
with your household and share the birth, the life of the Light that has come to
give us peace, comfort, joy, hope, encouragement, and the light within us to
shine! We do not want to hide our light, but to let it shine for Jesus.
Sure, it may be cold, you may have to bundle up, but why not
take a walk this Christmas Eve or some night this week ahead and sing with your
family. Start a new tradition, then keep it going! The hearts of your neighbors
will be warmed by the songs even if they are a little off key. The best thing
about going caroling now days is that we can bring the songs up on our phones
and sing along if we are a small group! I like to print some caroling books up
and pass them out, it makes it look all caroling like in the movies. Do it your
way though, go paperless or go with books! Sing just the songs your kids know
or open your family and friends up to new songs. Share the light! Bring along a
few candles or lanterns, a flashlight or two so you can bring the light shining
in the darkness while you share the Light of the World. Let the people follow
the light in you to the Light of the World!
Do all things without [a]complaining and disputing, that you
may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst
of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the
world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of
Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Philippians 2: 14 -16
Shine as a light of the world to those who feel lost this
year.
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” … in Jesus’ name…