Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.

Luke 1:13

With these words a 400-year silence of God was broken. Zechariah received God’s message from the angel, Gabriel, who announced the birth of a son filled with the Holy Spirit. He would be used of God to prepare the way for the Lord. Another message came from Gabriel shortly thereafter. He proclaimed to the virgin Mary that she would give birth to the Son of God.

The Christmas story is filled with messages from God--messages that changed lives then and are still changing lives today! As you and I reflect on the story of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the magi…the voice of God still resounds. Lord, thank You that Your word is living and that Your messages still impact and guide those who listen.

Today, let’s reflect on a message woven through the Christmas story. John’s gospel declares: The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world (John 1:9) When the angel appeared to the shepherds, …the glory of the Lord shone around them (Luke 2:9). The Magi declared: Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him (Matthew 2:2).

The message is clear: Jesus, the Light of the world, has come! Light dispels darkness. Upon the birth of Jesus, physical darkness upon the earth was dispelled momentarily. But upon the birth of Jesus within the heart of a person, darkness is dispelled permanently.

Light illuminates. The Magi followed the light day after day and face-to-face worshiped Jesus, the Savior, Lord, and King. The light of God through the Holy Spirit within believers illuminates truth. As we follow the light, God draws us near. As we enter His presence, we bow in humble, joyful worship.

Jesus is the eternal Light. Behold His light. Through belief enter into His light. Then draw near to Him and worship!

Jan Burkhart