In my reading notes this morning the writer asked “Have you done your Christmas shopping or do you leave it to the last minute? The good news is that God has already done both his Christmas and Easter shopping and bought what we all need. It’s called ‘salvation’.” Again, the writer makes the point that “Salvation covers the past, the present and the future. God planned ‘salvation’ far ahead that we can have Hope—He Only Provides Eternity.” That means that when we come to Jesus Christ for forgiveness, cleansing and new life we are saved from the penalty for our past sin, our present failures and our future transgressions, with the promised hope of glorious eternity with our Saviour. At Afternoon Fellowship the other day, we were thinking about the 4 candles (not fork handles) used in some churches to represent Advent. The first symbolises this ‘Hope’ we have throughout Scripture—firstly for those living in OT days who looked and longed for their Messiah to come; and then for NT believers, and right down to us today, who ‘rejoice in the hope of the glory of God’ Romans 5: 2b. We have that living hope that Christ will return—no doubt about it. In a distressed and dark world where people are losing hope, we have the answer in God’s word. Do you have Hope? The second candle symbolises ‘Peace’ – the very words the angels used as they announced the Saviour’s birth—”Peace on earth on whom his favour rests.” And who are they? Why, those who seek him with all their hearts and receive him. One of the OT titles for Jesus was ‘Prince of Peace’. Only he can bring true peace in our hearts. Are you allowing that peace, as Paul says, to “guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus” Phil 4:7. Candle no. 3 symbolises ‘Love’. When Jesus was baptised by John, as he came up out of the water, his Father’s voice came from heaven: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Let’s face it, Jesus was God’s love-gift to the world. Why? Because ‘God so loved the world…’ To be so loved, despite all my sin, is just so wonderful. Don’t you feel that? It’s beyond our comprehension, but how I thank the Lord for it. You too? The 4th candle symbolises, quite simply the ‘Joy’ that all this means to us believers. Despite all that young Mary was going to have to go through to bear this Baby, she was able to say “my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.”Luke 2:47. And again, the angel’s announcement on that special night was “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of GREAT JOY.”(I’m sure they must have spoken in capitals!) To all who received him, Jesus brought much joy. And, in my experience, he still does today. Oh, I pray he has for you—in capitals! Have a really blessed Christmas!
With love. Steve
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