Page 5 - 2018 AdventDevo-Flip book

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,

and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the LORD rises upon you
and his glory appears over you….”
Isaiah 60

Dear Friends,

Jesus is the Light of the World! In Advent, we are particularly reminded
of this truth as Jesus comes to us at the darkest time of the year, bringing
a light that “shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot over-
come.” (John 1: 5)

In medieval times, there was a well-known legend that on Christmas Eve
the Christ Child would wander the world looking for places where he
would be welcomed. Those who worshipped Jesus placed lit candles in
their front window to invite him in. But here is my favorite part of the
story: No one knew what he would look like when he came. He might
come as a ragged beggar, or as a small child, a prince or a pauper. So
Christians made sure to invite everyone who knocked at their doors into
their homes on that Holy Night.

I wonder what it would be like if we were to shine a light of welcome
from our window? Or to carry a light of love out into our neighbor-
hoods? It may seem impossible in the rush of this season, but Jesus is the
One who will go with us. May this collection of memories, stories, and
scripture inspire you to shine the light of the Christ Child this Advent.

In the name of the Emmanuel,

Pastor Becky

PS: Thank you to Charlie Rowland for our beautiful cover art, and to
Dan Collins for our wonderful “Liberty at Advent“ art. I would also like
to express my great appreciation to the wonderful team who helped me
with this Devotional: Charlotte Carleton, Jan Hasting, Amy King and
Tracey Scott.