When I first began studying the scriptures for this Advent series on Seeking the Light, I was literally overwhelmed by the number of scripture references. God, Jesus, Light conquering the enemy, darkness of sin, the world, really is THE story.
Jesus wins. He conquers death. Defeats the enemy.
The story, the ONLY true story, really does have a happy ending.
But here's the thing, we're still in Act 3 of a four-act play. We know from Act 2 that Jesus wins. But Act 3 is all about us preparing, and proclaiming, and waiting for His return to claim the victory.
His Advent. His coming. His return.
The Good News is that He didn't leave us alone. His Word gives us specific instructions and the Holy Spirit guides us in all truth, revealing and teaching us everything we need to know. (John 14:26)I often forget that I have the Light within me, a little flame, the Holy Spirit. He has taken up residence in each one of God's children. Each one of us who proclaim Him.
"For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2Co 4:6)Our waiting is active, not passive.
Matthew 5:14-16 admonishes us to, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
The high calling of Ephesians reminds us of our place and purpose as children of God: "for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." (Eph 5:8-11)
Throughout this Advent season, I have kept coming back, again and again, to the parable of the ten virgins found in Matthew 25. The wait has been long, even more so this year, and some days our hope is very dim.
Are we keeping our lamps lit with the love and longing for His return?
We must, Beloved! For we are, "children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness." (1Th 5:5) And we have been chosen in Him to proclaim His glory! (1Pet 2:9) Chosen! Wow!
We must remember that we represent the only true source of Light and Hope in this dark and hopeless world. We must continue to proclaim the message, "that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all." And we must continue to, "walk in the light, as He is in the light, [so that] we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin."
When He returns: "night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they [His servants] will reign forever and ever."
Our Hope will be realized and the wait will be over.
But while we wait, may we all keep our lamps lit with the love and longing for His return and "[give]thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light."
Blessings on your Advent,
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