The following is this Sunday’s Scripture Reading for the final week of our Advent Study. The theme is LIGHT (as you clearly see from the title) and the focus is upon the Light of the world. Jesus enters Earth as the perfect human being in order to save sinful humanity so that we can enter Heaven as redeemed human beings. The light confounding the darkness is where John begins his Gospel account of Jesus’ life and ministry. He sets the tone early that Jesus came to rescue mankind from a ruinous demise that is primarily spiritual. The conflict of light vs. darkness tunes the reader’s mind to an awareness of reality beyond physical sight and understanding, but one that must be discerned spiritually and at the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
MARK TO READ:
John records our Lord’s birth quite differently from the other Gospels: as LIGHT shining into the darkness, today’s Advent theme. There is no stable; there are no angels, no shepherds, no wise men, no cranky inn keepers. As silent as a star shining into the night sky and drawing our attention to its light, so John describes the coming of our Lord Jesus.
In chapter 3 he says, “The light has come into the world, but people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil.” Shamefully, we know we are sinful, and we innately reject God. But John makes it clear throughout his Gospel that the darkness in our hearts of unbelief cannot win against the Light that has come: the darkness did not overcome it.
Two New Testament saints reiterate light shining into the darkness at Jesus’ birth. Read together the prophecies of Zechariah and Simeon, about what Christ will do at His coming:
CONGREGATION TO READ:
“Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
“For my eyes have seen Your salvation: a LIGHT for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Your people, Israel.”
It’s my prayer for you that Advent 2020 will be a turning point in your spiritual journey as the Light of the world shines brightly upon your heart.
Glorify. Train. Engage. 