FREEDOM FROM DARKNESS

Let me be a killjoy for a while. I know, it sucks, because we're in the middle of this wonderful season of partying and eating and drinking and gift-giving. 

But as I read the bible this morning, I was struck by what Jesus said in Luke 22:53: "... but this is your hour when darkness reigns." Judas had betrayed Jesus. This became the go-ahead for the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard and for the elders to take Jesus into custody.

Read today's headlines---Death Toll from Pablo Seen to Hit 1,500; Wounded Newtown Moves from Shock to Coping with the Trauma; Deadly Car Bomb Strikes Damascus; Tens of Thousands in Paris Street for Gay Marriage. All these point to a world battered, torn and dazed. In darkness.

For millions all over the world, Christ has remained in handcuffs somehow; and Christmas is an empty but frilly celebration.

But Christmas is all about Christ coming into a dark world. How is it that more than two thousand years after his coming, the world seems more dark than ever? Did we miss something here?

Because Matthew 4:16 tells us "... the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." 

In Luke 2:8, the shepherds who were going about their routine work at night were visited by an angel. They were terrified but the angel said to them, "DO NOT BE AFRAID, I bring you GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY that will be for ALL THE PEOPLE! (emphasis and exclamation point mine)

You must have heard John 3:16 spoken like a broken record: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

"Believe" must be highlighted here. Ah, so those who believe in Jesus will not be lost? Even enjoy everlasting life?

Here's more: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved---you and your household."

You want to be saved from a world that has become darker by the day? Jesus says in John 10:10, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

A life full of fear and anxiety and strife is not life at all; nor is a life that's contrary to God's design for right living. 

I remember this message which has been going round and round our emails. May I summarize his message for us: We wonder why God does not show up to save us from calamities or storms or the cruelty of other men. What kind of God would allow these things to happen? And so the faith of many grows cold. But have we really invited God into our lives? Or have we turned our backs on Him?; telling Him, "I don't want to have anything to do with you," then we worship instead our god of self, money, power, silver, gold and wood.

A nation continues to shake their fists at God by disallowing Him from their public schools and offices, even as they justify abortion, same sex marriage and materialism. Elsewhere in the world, idol worship, perversion, greed and corruption rule.

More to the point: Is God allowing calamities and tragedies in greater measure today because He wants to call our attention? That we're doing it all wrong and the only way we can be saved from our fears, is to seek Him who can calm all our storms, even snatch us out of the fire and stop the bullets, real or spiritually fired---by Satan, the prince of the power of the air, who has since the beginning of time trained his destructive powers against all mankind. 

Twinkly lights may add some glitter to our homes during Christmas. But the greater light has come upon us! If you have the Light of lights, what more can you ask for?

Kung naging mababaw ang mga Pasko mo (If your Christmases have always been shallow), you need to ask Jesus to shine His light on you. It takes a very simple, but humble and heartfelt prayer of repentance:

"Jesus, I need you to be my Savior and Lord. Forgive me for my sins. Wash me and make me clean. Come into my heart. Be my Prince of Peace, my Healer, my Provider and wonderful Counselor. I take refuge in you even as I go through tribulations. Cover me with your grace. Save me! In Your name I pray."

Tragedy or no tragedy, you are secure no matter the situation. For Jesus guards your heart with peace and promises never to leave or forsake you.  

(Photo credits: 1. andrewroebert.wordpress.com. 2. mudpreacher.org  3. mobilecause.com 4. ohio.com