Canvey Island Methodist Church Wednesday 23rd December 2020
Christmas Reflections: Christ's Light Shining Through Us
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Welcome : Welcome to Christmas Reflections from Canvey Island Methodist Church on Wednesday 23rd December 2020
A reading from Luke1:26-38- Angelic Prophecy of Jesus’ Birth
26–27 During the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, the angel Gabriel was sent from God’s presence to an unmarried girl[t] named Mary, living in Nazareth, a village in Galilee.[u] She was engaged[v] to a man named Joseph, a true descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Grace to you, young woman, for the Lord is with you[w] and so you are anointed with great favor.”
29 Mary was deeply troubled over the words of the angel and bewildered over what this may mean for her. 30 But the angel reassured her, saying, “Do not yield to your fear, Mary, for the Lord has found delight in you and has chosen to surprise you with a wonderful gift. 31 You will become pregnant with a baby boy, and you are to name him Jesus. 32 He will be supreme[x] and will be known as the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God will enthrone him as King on his ancestor David’s throne. 33 He will reign as King of Israel[y] forever, and his reign will have no limit.”
34 Mary said, “But how could this happen? I am still a virgin!”
35 Gabriel answered, “The Spirit of Holiness will fall upon you and almighty God will spread his shadow of power over you in a cloud of glory![z] This is why the child born to you will be holy,[aa] and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your aged aunt,[ab] Elizabeth, has also become pregnant with a son. The ‘barren one’ is now in her sixth month. 37 Not one promise from God is empty of power, for nothing is impossible with God!”[ac]
38 Then Mary responded, saying, “This is amazing! I will be a mother for the Lord![ad] As his servant, I accept whatever he has for me. May everything you have told me come to pass.” And the angel left her.
Comment:
It was Thomas Fuller, an English theologian, who, in the year 1650 wrote the phrase "it's always darkest before the dawn" in his work titled A Pisgah-Sight of Palestine and the Confines Thereof.
The phrase speaks of how light is just around the corner so don't despair.
John W Peterson the hymn writer picked up this thought when he wrote the hymn of that title.
It's words speak of hope for when things look a bit grim. Perhaps, for us, in these days before Christmas 2020, when the news of Covid-19 is certainly grim it would be worthwhile taking out, and dusting down the words of this old "blue grass" song again. Here they are
Are you discouraged and are you blue
Are clouds obscuring the sun from view?
Keep trusting Jesus, though storms assail
You have His promise He will not fail
CHORUS
It's always darkest before the dawn,
Don't be discouraged but carry on,
He'll not forsake you, the sun will break through
It's always darkest before the dawn.
He knows your heartache, He understands,
Just put your problems in His great hands,
No trouble meets you but in His will,
He's not forgotten, He loves you still.
(For the tune please follow link below).
The prophet Isaiah new about darkness but through the eyes of inspired envisioned faith he wrote, "Then my favour will bathe you in sunlight until you are like the dawn bursting through a dark night. And then suddenly your healing will manifest. You will see your righteousness march out before you, and the glory of Yahweh will protect you from all harm! ." -Isaiah58:
John W Peterson.
Here are Pam Rhodes and then Dr Misha Jazz to take these reflections forward.
Prayer
Help us Lord God to trust in your light to guide, inspire and fill us anew today. Lift our spirits as we prepare to celebrate and welcome Jesus into our lives and homes this Christmas time.
In Jesus Name We Pray
Amen.