Before time began deep darkness enveloped the formless earth. There was no light to pierce the dark. But God saw beyond the darkness into a world created for his glory. He envisioned a people created for a relationship with himself.
Therefore it was with joy, a world was born in all its detailed splendor and brilliance. Then with exultant tenderness God formed mankind, the culmination of his creation. Within the created boundaries of time, God walked with Adam and Eve in intimate closeness. The beat of God’s heart displayed the extreme love He had for his beloved creation.
A Choice and the Consequence
Within God’s creation of mankind was placed the gift of choice. It was a choice to live in the light of God’s love with trust and obedience, or a choice to live in the darkness of self-love with disobedience and destruction.
The world was plunged into spiritual darkness by a choice of disobedience. There was no hope. No light to penetrate that great darkness. Only God. And He was enough. He still is enough. On that day so long ago, God did not turn his back on his creation.
Yes, sin has obscured our vision and ripped away our connection with God. Yet God’s heart is still for us. Thus, ‘in the fulness of time’ (Galatians 4:4) Jesus came to pierce the darkness of sin and bring us back to the heart of God. Jesus was born into a world of darkness. He faced the blackness of death and the grave, in order to bring the light of hope to all mankind.
A Light for the Darkness
As we walk through this first week of Advent with hushed steps, we have all known the darkness that was precipitated by that first choice of disobedience. The darkness of sin has dogged the footsteps of humanity. We long for a light to show us the way through the dark night of our personal story. The wounds go deep. Pervading gloom threatens our soul. In our darkness, when there is only God, He is enough.
This season, we each have a choice. A choice to reach for the light of hope. We have a choice to pause and reflect. Look with the eyes of the soul to the lighted beacon that the prophets of the Old Testament held aloft. Linger with the story of the Christ Child. As you still your heart, into your darkness on whispered wings, the hope of the Savior will come. Jesus comes to pierce the darkness and bring the radiance of light to your world. He comes offering hope to all who will pause and draw near.
A Rhythm for the Soul
In your darkness, hope can light your way. Jesus came to be the Light to your world. He came to bind up the broken-hearted. Those who are held captive by sin, He came to free. Jesus calls you to come near. In the clamor and chaos of your life, pause. This Christmas season set the rhythm of your soul to still.
“This Christmas season
set the rhythm of your soul
to still.“
- Grasp hold of this gift of hope.
- Realize his forgiveness.
- Recognize the great love God has for you.
- Know that He is enough for your darkness.
- Rest in his Presence.
- Wait in the stillness.
Suggested Scripture readings: Isaiah 9:2 & 6; Isaiah 35:5-6,10; Isaiah 40:1-3; 60:1-3 Luke 1:67-80
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