The Light Wouldn't Stay Put

The Light entered the dark womb of a young virgin—a miraculous conception to say the least! Though the sun's rays could hardly pierce the skin of this unexpected expecting bride-to-be, she was as bright as she had ever been. The Light Who is the life of men was nestled within her body and soul.

She was dually filled with the Son of the Most High  (Luke 1:31-32). Not only had the Light entered her body through the miraculous, overshadowing work of the Spirit of God, but He had also entered her soul through the mysterious blowing of that same Spirit who blows where He wishes. She was lit up with joy from the inside out!

The Light didn't stay put for very long, though. The heavenly lights aligned on the night of His birth, and the magi followed it. They had been searching for the King. They wanted to worship, and they came prepared. Yet the luster of their shiny and aromatic gifts paled in comparison to the dazzling glory of the gift lying before them, wrapped in swaddling cloth.

A few shepherds also got a glimpse of the Light. The glory of God shone around them, brighter than the sun, bringing great terror. Yet the message they received was far from dreadful: "The Light of the world is here! This is good news! The Messiah, the Lord is here! He's lying in a manger in Bethlehem." They found Him and walked away with their souls glowing with beams of unspeakable gladness.

The Light who shined bright on that first Christmas night is the same God who said, "Let there be light." That's earth-shattering. The Son of God who created all things and who upholds the whole universe broke through the gloomy darkness once again to show us the love of God that would be shed abroad in the hearts of all who believe through the Holy Spirit! The Son of Mary is the Son of God. He is Light. He is Life. He is Love. He is God.

The Savior in the manger that night wasn't just for Mary, the shepherds, or the magi. He is our Light. We need Him to break through the sin in our hearts. We need the gleaming power of God's gospel to bring us forgiveness, hope, and joy—especially in these dark days.

Are you basking in the rays of the Son this Advent season?