prayer
The darkest day of the year is December 21st - Winter solstice, at least for those of us who live in the northern part of the world. Winter officially begins as the day marks the fewest hours of sunlight. Just think how many dark days we have seen over the course of our lifetimes. And yet, we live with the hope of warmer days, a brighter future and as Christians, the hope of eternity with our Father.
The light that breaks through the darkness is found at Christmas when we celebrate the baby Jesus who came to save us. Isaiah foretold of his coming and the Israelites watched and waited for their Savior. Isaiah 9:1-3
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
when dividing the plunder.
Advent is that time of the year when we honor, worship and reflect on who Jesus is: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. He was born to save us from our sins and the darkness of a mad world and bring light and life to all who will accept Him as Lord of their life. Peace, joy, love and hope can be yours when you do.
“Father, I know that I have broken your laws. My sins and past mistakes have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from that past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning or falling back into my old life again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, seated at the right hand of God, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.”