During the season of Advent on the church calendar, Christians around the world light candles. The first candle symbolizes hope. The prophet Isaiah said that all nations will place their hope or trust in Christ, Gods Chosen One (Isa. 42:1-4; Matt. 12:21).
We think of Advent from the perspective of earthbound creatures who know nothing but this life. We rejoice that Jesus came to visit us on this beautiful planet that He made especially for us. But its important to remember that Jesus came from a better place. He is first and foremost from heaven, a place more beautiful than we can imagine.
Whenever I think about Jesus coming to earth, I also consider that He had to leave heaven to get here. For Him, earth was hostile territory. Coming here was a dangerous venture (Matt. 12:14). Yet He came. Our just and compassionate God made Himself vulnerable to human injustice. The Creator of the universe put on the garment of flesh and came to experience firsthand what life here is really like.
Jesus tasted death for everyone (Heb. 2:9) so that we can taste His goodness (1 Peter 2:3). He left the splendor of heaven to bring us to glory (Heb. 2:10). He gave His own life to give us hope for eternal life.
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Good Morning Mayor! Blessings to you and yours and thank you for faithfully sharing God’s Word as we begin each day!
AMEN! I love all these Christmas messages, Rus. Thanks for always coming through for us. Wishing you a beautiful visit in Tennessee (even though its terribly cold)! Lots of snow fell here yesterday, even though it didn't lay too much. It was pretty pouring down though.