The Night of Great Light

A Christmas Eve Celebration

12/16/22

In times past, God spoke through the prophets of old and gave us a great promise. A promise of One who would come to bring a glorious light unto all men. The prophet tells us “The Lord Himself shall give us a sign: Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son”. The radiance of His name would reveal Him as “Immanuel” – God with us.

We gather to celebrate that night God fulfilled His long-awaited promise; the night of our dear Savior’s birth.  A night divine, when an Angel came in glorious splendor as shepherds watched over the fields saying, “Do not be afraid, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”. This was God’s holy declaration that the advent of the Messiah had come.  A day the prophets of old longed to see with their very eyes and a promise now complete.

On that first Noel, suddenly a great multitude of heavenly hosts appeared in the sky praising God and proclaiming, “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men”.  For the dawn of redeeming grace had now come through the Savior, Christ the Lord. A gift of glorious hope that made it possible for “God and sinner to be reconciled” and for man to know the joy of God’s favor. 

Upon that midnight clear a star of wonder, a star of royal beauty bright shone in the sky to guide men who would seek the Savior.  Wise Men from the East traveling afar came to the perfect light bearing precious gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Gold heralds the newborn baby as King. Frankincense symbolizes Him as God Most High and finally Myrrh speaks to the oil that would anoint the Savior when He bore our sins.

So, this night, like the Wise Men we too bring gifts given to each other in love celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus who is the perfect and enduring gift to all the world. Let us hold fast this Christmas with the remembrance of God’s promise fulfilled when the wonder of His love came into our world. For all who call upon His Name, He renders in their heart a gift of peace, joy and everlasting hope.  

And still another wondrous promise from God remains yet unseen. The promise of a soon second advent of Jesus, as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. For in Him, a marvelous light will dawn “upon us” as the Bright and Morning Star. Let us look to the blessed hope, Immanuel, God with us.