Lighting the Christ Candle

This year we have the rare event of lighting the Christ Candle of Advent twice.  On Christmas Eve we light the candle to celebrate the birth of our Lord.  On Christmas Day we will relight the Christ Candle to remind us of the centrality of Jesus in the life of the Church, the people of God.  Both events are joyful.

In our Christmas Day reading we will share Paul's words from 2 Corinthians 4:6.  These words say ... "For God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness" has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."  Let's unpack that passage ...

First, the supernatural power of God has spoken all things into being.  I watched an interview with Michio Kaku, a modern physicist.  This week there was a major breakthrough in nuclear energy as the use and power of nuclear fusion has come a step closer to reality.  Since fusion does not produce harmful waste and does not melt down, it could solve many of the world's energy problems.  Kaku's quick explanation about why fusion is an energy game changer was very simple.  He said, "Nuclear fission (our current nuclear plant technology) is not how nature produces energy."  I am sure I am oversimplifying this, but when I heard this I thought ... "God's design works."  Wade and Ciara read a prayer that asked that supernatural God (who started the fire of creation) to speak light and life into our world.  Light our darkness!

Second, we worship a God that wants to be known.  His word (according to Scripture) is "near to your heart and your tongue (Deuteronomy 30:14)."  God didn't hide His word.  He sent it to be taught, preached and proclaimed.  We have had a long history of ignoring and attempting to make God's word fit our will.  But in the end, God's word is offered to be known and followed by people.

Finally, we are able to see and know God's glory, because we can see and know Jesus Christ!  The glory of God that happens when we seek and find the face of Jesus Christ.  Shepherds saw the glory of God and rejoiced in Luke 2.  Mary, in the same chapter, reflected and treasured God's glory found in her little child.  Stephen found God's glory as he marveled at the scene of Jesus standing at the right hand of God in Acts 7.  Throngs saw the glory of God as Jesus is worshipped as "worthy" in Revelation 7.  The worshippers say, "Worthy are you O Lord our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power.  You created all things and because of your will they existed."

There is a lot of darkness, but God's light shines in the darkness.  God's Son, Jesus, has overcome the world.  And, if we remember to allow Jesus to be the centerpiece of life, we can see God's glory, know God's plan and experience the supernatural power of the God who spoke all into existence.  Let's meet and light that candle together!  Randy