Light = Hope = Joy

Christmas Eve is my fav time of the Christmas Season. The hustle and bustle is over, its quiet (relatively anyway) and we go to church for a solemn but joyful time of worship to our God, remembering Jesus’ birth. And then home for some traditional tamales and family fun.

 

It’s the end of the Advent season, when we light the Christ Candle. We have been through 4 parts of Advent. Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of the Christ Child. It is a time of learning, experiencing, reflecting and expressing.

The time between the Old and New Testaments was a very dark time. My pastor says God decided that since His people the Jews were not listening, He would just stop talking. There was 450 years of silence. God was there, but He was quiet. There was a kindling of hope. They probably didn’t know it then, but the Jews were being prepared for the birth of Christ, which would be the fulfillment of all the promises of the Old Testament. There was probably a lot of confusion and fear. But God knew what he was doing. Like the red-hot tiny embers in a campfire, the truth was still there. He was waiting for the right time. And so the Jews had hope. The Jews represent all of us. We had and have hope. No matter how dark it seems. No matter what we have that defines our darkness.

Philippians 2 talks about the light in the world. Back then, it was Jesus, being born into the world. Identified and located by a single unique star in the heavens that attracted men to Him. Advancing 2018 years, that light is us, His believers. We are able to work out our own faith because we have God who has worked IN us. Light is hope.

For those who don’t believe or aren’t paying attention, there is still hope. Your circumstances are not too big for God. God isn’t caught off guard with what you are. Just as two thousand years ago, there is a Light of hope for us who will believe and obey.

That kind of hope is absurd, because it defies all human logic. But not God’s. The light that appears out of the darkness of silence brings Peace, expresses Joy, and shares Love is finalized at the end of the preparation period by the Christ Candle, the Bright Star standing over the manger. Not the way the King was expected to arrive, but that’s the point. God did it his way, ours.

Know that if you are a believer, you are a Light in the world. That’s straight out of the Bible. And if you’re not, know that there is already an ember of Hope, that can be found by following or pursuing the Light. That’s also straight out of the Bible.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased! Luke 2:14.

Merry Christmas!

Point of Light

Best 3 hours I've spent in awhile.

I was in early adulthood when HW was in office. It kind of seemed like a continuation of the Reagan years. I was not paying a great deal of attention to the things going on, but having reviewed them recently, Bush 41 is responsible for quite a few things that now seem commonplace to us. Americans with Disabilities Act, Immigration Act, Points of Light program, the aftermath of the Cold War, and the Gulf War among others. It would seem to provide a good backdrop to some of the issues and problems we face today. As I remember it, he went about his business very methodically, strategically, and without alot of fanfare for the most part. Reagan did some of the high profile work, and Bush continued that in a way we can all enjoy.

There are various reactions to what he did, but no doubt that he made a mark on US history. In later years, we found his personality and presence to be more casual and personable. It seems he always had that, we just didn't see it in his public presence. His local influence and presence here in Houston was very evident. He and Barbara sitting behind home plate at Minute Maid Park was a fond image here, but his efforts in support of citizens, philanthropic activities, and active faith activities speak much more. 

It can be dangerous to connect so well to a public figure who not all accept, but I think its worth the risk. History has proven him out. Hopefully his passing will bring out a light in all of us to share with others in our own way. I was privileged to walk by his casket this evening along with thousands of others. It was very moving to see a state funeral for a man whose legacy will definitely influence others long past his time on Earth. If you have the chance, read more about him, or better yet, go to Aggieland and visit his museum. It will be worth the time spent. 

God bless the Bush family. Rest in Peace, Mr President.

pictured below is the remembrance card we received upon departing the viewing.