Today's Scripture:
Isaiah 60:19-22 “The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. Then all your people will be righteous and they will possess the land forever. They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor. The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will do this swiftly.”
Reflect: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
This Scripture tells me that the Lord will be our everlasting light. A light that will outshine the sun and moon, a light that will obliterate all darkness. To be honest, I need this constant reminder in my head and heart. I confess that I allow this secular fallen world to distract and draw me into its darkness. This darkness manifests as I adversely react, through thoughts, words, and deeds, to world events, and personal circumstances and encounters. But the saving grace through Jesus Christ brings me back to His light, and as I surrender more of the human things I keep trying to hold on to and seek His will, my relationship with Him grows.
Read: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
After reading Isaiah 60:19-22, this Scripture conveys the future hope of paradise restored, back in right relationship with God (as He intended in the beginning), brought back through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the renewing work of the Holy Spirit. As I read “the Lord will be your everlasting light,” I was immediately drawn back to Timothy Keller’s book, Hidden Christmas, particularly Chapter 1 (A Light has Dawned). Below are words he expressed. “The world is a dark place, and we will never find our way or see reality unless Jesus is our light. The world believes it can overcome the darkness by itself, but humanity cannot save itself. God alone has the life, truth, and joy that we lack and cannot generate ourselves. The light has come ‘for to us a child is born.’ Jesus is the divine light of the world because he brings a new life to replace our spiritual deadness, because he shows us the truth that heals our spiritual blindness, and because he is the beauty that breaks our addictions.”
Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
Being involved in a disciple group has really helped me to expose my human shortcomings and grasp on to what it means to become a fully formed disciple. Through this group, I have been able to discern the light and confront the darkness that pops up in my life. The more opportunities I seek to serve, the more constant reminders I have that true life isn’t about me.Heavenly Father, I pray for renewed hope, peace, joy, and love, to be experienced by all this Advent season. Thank you, God, for your abounding love for us. Thank you, God, for your gift of Jesus Christ. Help us, God, to fully accept, embrace and claim your undeserved gift. May we joyfully celebrate, while contemplating in awe and wonder, the miracle birth of your Son Jesus. Help us to see beyond the seasonal pretty lights we place on our trees, homes, and buildings, and set our sights on the beautiful light which comes from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And it is in His name I pray. Amen.
About Bill Welton:
I am married to Karen Welton and together we have three grown daughters. I am retired after a 43-year career in the upstream oil and gas industry.
Grace has been my church home for over 25 years. My involvement with Grace has included ushering, Project 180 leadership, Habitat projects, VBS, a Living Water trip to the Dominican Republic and confirmation mentor. I have previously served as an Elder and currently serving as a Deacon. Currently I am a member of the Choir, group leader in Children’s Sunday School, mentor at WBE, Abide Night volunteer and advisory board member for Friends of Westchase.