Isaiah 9:2, 6a and 6c
Well very early this morning I called a good friend of mine (Lee Barbour) who is living with his family over in Ireland for the year . . . And Lee told me about some of the thoughts he's had surrounding Christmas this season . . .
-And he started talking about people and light - and not just light - but more about what lights us up . . . and it got me thinking - about some Bible verses.
Isaiah 9:2, 6a and 6c.
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
For us at home the last 20 days or so have been incredibly full - of good stuff - probably for most of us it's been full. . . . . . we've been hosting Christmas parties and going to Christmas events and we've been celebrating with friends and with family and with people at work and we've been shopping and shopping and shopping and shopping.
And then a lot of us are cleaning up some stuff at work so we can take a few days off.
Anyway - early this morning I was sitting in my office thinking about stuff . . . about life and peace and light . . . and what God might want to say to you on Christmas Eve . . . (and maybe this is it . . . )
You know there is one line in the Christmas story that always amazes me . . . and it's a line that describes Mary during that first Christmas night - Now she had been under a significant amount of stress during those last months - she had angels visiting her, telling her she would have a child - she lived knowing she carried God's son - (then the long trip to Bethlehem) and going through labour, giving birth to a new baby - in a cattle shed - then there were the shepherds with a wild story about 1000's of angels singing. remarkable - really, . . . all that happening to a teenage girl . . . - (and you think you've had a stressful Christmas season) . . . anyway . . .
Luke Chapter 2 records this great line about Mary after those crazy shepherds left . . .
"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19
Great words for us on Christmas as well . . .
I am gonna ask you to ponder a little bit for the next few minutes . . . about what brings light into your soul . . . cause I think sometimes at Christmas time we need a reminder . . .
Let me read - Isaiah 9:2 again . . .
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."
Early this morning - my thought when I read this was very simple - It would be great if life was that clear . . . (darkness and light . . . ) - but often life isn't clear . . . and actually it can be a little disillusioning . . . here was my thought . . .
I don't want to walk in darkness - thinking I'm in the light - and I don't want any of you to walk in darkness thinking you're in the light either . . . let me explain. That spun into a whole other bunch of thoughts for me about life . . . -about replacements we use for light in our life . . .
I got thinking about our work - you know so many of us love our work and love to work - we love the challenge, and the energy of it and I think we even love the pay cheque - but what happens to me - is that I like work so much that it begins to over take me a bit . . . and I begin to think work is what lights me up - and some of you might live there as well (thinking that work is the answer to fulfillment . . . ) . . . - and so we pour more time and energy and more money into it - - and we pour our life into our work . . . believing that it will bring happiness or peace or a better life or more light into our souls . . .
And (hear this) work is good and I believe our ability to work comes from God - but folks I need to tell you the truth . . . your work will never satisfy your soul - your career no matter how much you love it - will not create light in your soul - we mustn't be confused about that . . . there is only one source of soul light . . and without it we walk in darkness.
Then I got thinking about money and the amount of commerce connected with Christmas and it's all good to spend money at Christmas . . . and it's all good to make as much money as you can all year - but let me remind you on Christmas eve - that your money - no matter how much you have or how much more you make - will not bring peace and light and contentment to your souls - If you saw the news today - big story - they found a mad cow in Washington State . . . and then the news reporter explained how U.S. ranchers and beef packers that have been enjoying high prices for this year . . . can expect that market to crash . . . and I started pondering (about the feebleness of markets) If your only light is in the money you make or the money you hope to make . . . that candle would go out in a hurry - and it's in darkness you would walk . . .
Folks - money does not bring happiness - not an extra 10K or 20K or 50K or 100K or even millions - it doesn't bring light and peace and joy to your soul . . . and I guess I just wanted to remind you (and me) of that this Christmas . . and I was hoping you'd ponder that a bit, over the next few days
For us . . . this Christmas has been filled to the brim with people. - I love people and it's been incredible this last month to connect to people - we've had well over 100 people through our home - we've enjoyed rich laughter and deep discussion and lots of fun . . . . . but you know early this morning I was pondering . . . I got thinking about how many people in the last week have been through these doors - with relationship heartbreaks - marriages coming apart - family members fighting and good friends hurting each other . . . (Christmas kinda brings that stuff out)
Folks - there is much good in people and relationships but I need to tell you the truth - anchoring your life only in other people for your sense of joy and peace and security - is a mistake . . . - people alone cannot light up your soul . . . and move us from darkness to light . . .
So here's what am I saying - (I haven't been too encouraging yet - I know . . . )
What I'm saying is . . .
Light in our souls does not come from our work no matter how great it is - (blow out candle) (it is not eternal).
Light in our souls does not come from money no matter how much you have - (blow out candle) (it is not eternal).
And light in our souls does not come from people no matter how may relationships you have - (blow out candle).
There is only one place that you can find light for your soul and it is available this Christmas . . .
Isaiah 9:2, 6a and 6c 2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- Soul light can only be found in one place and that is a relationship with Jesus Christ - by living a life of faith.
Daniel 2:22 Profound verse Lee read to me this morning about who God is and what He does
22 "God reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him."
He knows what lies in darkness . . . and light dwells within Him . . .
Folks on Christmas Eve I want you to be aware that life in 2003 in Canada if full of things that look and feel like light - but on there own they are only darkness - and they do not have lasting joy or peace - or satisfaction outside of the light of Jesus Christ.
And so I want you to ponder what place Jesus has in you life this Christmas . . . - and I want you to hear that when you receive his light into your soul . . . - His light shines with in you . . . and the most amazing thing happens . . . when His light is within you then - every other thing begins to shine with his light as well . . . and suddenly your job - career has an eternal connection to it . . . because He shines there as well . . . even your money takes on a new look because you see it with His light shining on it . . . and suddenly our grip just loosens a bit . . . - and your relationships . . . Wow I can't even begin to tell you how your relationship will flourish when the light of Christ shines on the people you love . . . He will light them up with his light as well . . . it really is amazing what one little candle can do . . .
Folks - the good news of Christmas is that the light of Jesus is available to each of us . . . and it's power has the ability to transform your soul - from darkness to light . . . and there is no better night of the year to ponder that . . . than Christmas eve . . .
Jesus said this,
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12
So tonight we're gonna light some candles . . . but really we're doing a whole lot more than that . . .
We're receiving the light of Christ . . . I will light my candle from the Christ candle and then we'll pass that one candle down the rows to each of you . . . and then we'll sing Silent Night . . . but folks . . . understand the metaphor . . . and take some time to ponder . . .
- What is the condition of your soul . . . and what is it that you have been trying to light it up with . . .
- And if you're ready . . . as you light your candle . . . ask Jesus to fill you with his light . . . and begin to shine brightly into your soul . . . |
