Advent devotions 2008

Sun, 4 Jan 2009

JAN. 5 - LET THERE BE LIGHT
By Jo-Ann Brant, professor of Bible, religion and philosophy

THIS WEEK'S THEME: Let there be light

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DEVOTIONAL:
The sky's vault is solid grey cloud. I am watching the life ebb from my parents' bodies. I hesitate to turn to my news source for fear of being confronted by a wall of grim headlines. "Let there be light!" on my lips, at this moment, is more than a prayer: it's a plea. And God answers in the affirmative, "Let there be light." God's will for creation is first expressed with this command.

With God's word, darkness is contained and the life giving force of light is unleashed in preparation for the unfolding of the material universe. This light is not simply an event of physical law, it is the inner light that makes possible understanding and knowledge of God. But perhaps most importantly, it is the radiance of God's glory made manifest in his creation. Jesus himself is the light of the world who reveals that the true nature of God's glory is love, and we are not simply witnesses to the light, we are the lamps that ignited make it possible for others to see God's glory in our own acts of loving kindness.

The warmth of Christmas greetings tinged with a concern for each other’s well being, the joy of a parent's response to the news that I will be at his home for Christmas, the twinkle of Christmas lights breaking through the gloom of winter and the earth's despair, all of these are the gems of God’s glory that shines all around.
Posted at 13:23 #



Disclaimer:
The views and beliefs expressed in the devotional piece prepared by each individual reflect their own spiritual growth journey and thoughts, and while created in a campus environment that encourages thoughtful questions and reflection on biblical Scripture and contemporary Christian themes, do not necessarily represent the official institutional positions of Goshen College or Mennonite Church USA.