The Darkest Day

   Today is December 21^st, the shortest day of the year.  There will be less daylight and more darkness on this day than on any other day of the year.

   I’m reminded of the darkness that was upon the earth before the birth of our Lord Jesus.  There was no hope of heaven, no chance of eternal happiness in communion with God.  The world was in waiting for the Messiah’s arrival.

   It’s about 100 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  It’s probable that Mary and Joseph had already begun their journey to Bethlehem.  A man and a woman who was within days of giving birth on the roads of first century Israel; the Son of God in Mary’s womb.  I can't imagine the hardship of such a trip though it was necessary to fulfill the prophecies of our Lord's birth.

   In four days we will again joyously celebrate the birth of Jesus.  The world in the darkness of sin would receive a great light.  The light that would reopen the doors to heaven and offer salvation and eternal joy to all who would reach out in faith and repentance.  The Son of God would become man.  He would bring love, mercy and hope to the world.

   As we welcome our Lord again this year, let’s open our hearts to properly receive Him; let us be filled with the Holy Spirit.  Let us reach out to others with the love and acceptance with which Christ reached out to all.  Let us celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Lord, the world waited in darkness.

The light was nowhere to be found.

You came to relight the candle of hope.

You came to offer salvation.

As we look to the manger in which you lay,

Let us know the love and light you brought.

Let us share that light and love with a joyful heart.

Let us celebrate Your birth.

Amen