God Shined Upon Us
- Dr. Marc Mortensen
I am always moved and filled with awe by the beautiful displays during the Christmas season. There is just something about all of the vivid colors and brilliant lights that brings joy to our hearts. It seems like we cannot get enough! Even though we do not have the wintery scenes of snow and cold temperatures we still make things look breathtaking with all of the lights. Yes, I love this season of the year and not just for the amazing display of lights and decorations, but for the reminder that God’s light was shined brightly upon us that Christmas morning in Bethlehem!
The prophets of the Old Testament worked hard in preparing the nation of Israel for the anticipation of Jesus’ arrival. The celebration of our Savior’s first coming as a baby has given us hope beyond the grave. At Christmas we celebrate the Word being made flesh, and God becoming Man. “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14)
It was in the incarnation that God broke into the world quietly, unnoticed and vulnerable as a baby, looking like any other, but He would change the course of human events forever. God did this in order to repair, restore, and save us from our sin. It is because of Christmas that you and I can become a child of God with a mission to know, love, and serve the Lord in this life and to live with Him in heaven forever. “But as many as received Him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” (John 1:12)
As we approach Christmas this year may we never forget His promise that He will never leave us or forsake us.