When the time change happens in November and the daylight grows shorter in our northern hemisphere, it is extremely noticeable. It actually might drive me crazy if it were not for the Christmas season. But the long days of darkness become joyful for me when the Christmas lights go up. I’m kind of a sucker for Christmas lights — not quite as bad as Clark Griswald (of the Christmas Vacation movie) but I do love them. The gorgeous lights of many colors pop out and bring a sense of joy and hope out of the dreary gloom of darkness. And the stores make a bunch of money off us buying those lights to cheer up the neighborhood.
This Sunday and in December, I (we – Tim and I) are going to continue in this series called “From Creation to New Creation,” but I want to make sure we all get how the story of Christmas fits into this grand story of God. As you prepare, I would ask that you read from the Old Testament Isaiah 8:19 – 9:7. This ancient prophet truly was connecting the dots between what was God’s glorious creation – and mankind’s utter destruction of it all – but then God’s promise of rescue. Much of the world has the understanding of Christmas season of having presents, and family, and food, and parties. There is absolutely nothing wrong with any of this. But honestly they are so very far short of God’s answer for the despair that is ours without Christ. This is why you need to read this passage in Isaiah; not just as an ancient prophecy, but a reality of where we find ourselves between the Holy Creation – and the New Creation to come.
We will be following the Advent calendar as a Church and lighting the first of the Advent candles as well. The Church auditorium where we gather is now beautifully decorated. Lights are out. The trees are up. It is a beautiful time of year. But I pray that you get the point that it is not the decorations that bring joy. This is only found in Christ.
By the way… Christmas lights at our home are up and ready for show. Drive by sometime and look at the Billy Arnold version of Clark Griswald’s yard!
Happy Thanksgiving to my lovely LifeWay family!
And now we are on to Christmas!
See you Sunday morning.
