 Read this Christmas devotion written by my son, Ben, and wanted to share the hope Christ gave us as people wandering in darkness. |
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Guest blogger, Pastor Ben Rhodes
"Imagine a world in complete darkness. A place where people lived by what the government commanded, and by the morals they thought were acceptable. A once great nation, has been under the rule of another country for centuries, and there is seemingly no hope in sight. This was the world of the Hebrews 400 years before Christ came. They had been defeated, conquered, deported, inhabited, and all hope was lost. Their world fell apart, and yet they still held on to the hope that one day a Savior would bring them out from under the tyranny of the ruling powers. Isaiah 9:2 states, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…” The prophet, who lived 700 years before the Messiah would be born, goes on to say in verse 6, “For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” The little baby that would come centuries later would be the light of the world, and would change human history forever.
"Christ came to the world when it seemed to be lost, and many times I feel as if the world we live in is lost as well. With so much hate, death, greed, lying, and sexual immorality, it’s tempting to bury our heads in the sand and try to forget about everything going on around us. That’s not what Christ called us to do though. Instead, we are to show love, grace, and compassion to all of those around us, and tell them the real meaning of Christmas. The coming of God to dwell among us, die for our sins, and the rise from the dead to forgive us. This is why we celebrate. It can be easy to curse the darkness, but instead we should shine a light to everyone we meet. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world”. Just as Christ was prophesied to come and bring light to an incredibly dark world, we are commanded to break the darkness around us with the light of Christ.
"As you prepare for this Christmas day, remember to shine bright with the love of Jesus to all you meet. Then share the real reason of Christmas, and how an event of two thousand years ago can change their life eternally.
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As our God prepared for us, are you prepared for Him?
Pastor Trey
Difference Church
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