I popped in a favorite Christmas CD the other day while I was putting away a few Christmas items. As one song led to another, I was once again caught by the chorus of O Come, O Come Emmanuel. For years I have sang this song without giving it much thought. The song speaks of Israel’s plea to have the promised Savior sent to lead them out of the darkness they were experiencing. The version of O Come, O Come Emmanuel on my CD is by Matt Maher and a refrain has been added to its original version and it tends to grab my heart and make my eyes moisten each time I hear it. As the beat picks up and the music dynamics increase the words go like this:
Rejoice, again, I say, rejoice
For unto us is born the Savior of the World
Take heart, oh weary soul, take heart
For help is on its way
And Holy is His name
Like those in Israel, we too experience much darkness here in our modern world and it leaves us crying out to our Father. Each night the news media seems to flash pictures of sadness, grief, and evil in front of us. While there are some stories that contain happy endings, they seem to be few and far between. We could probably argue about how the news media does not show the “good stuff” and I do believe we are often neglected of positive stories. Yet, God has put us in this culture of darkness and has asked us to care for it, no matter how big of a job it seems. There is good news though. He has revealed the ending of His Story, and help is on its way!
At the Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve, Mike challenged us to walk into the darkness and shine our light. This may be intimidating to many, but as followers of Christ, it really shouldn’t be. God has equipped each of us with His gift of the Holy Spirit to do His work here in this broken world. As we encounter the darkness, He asks us to engage with our neighbor, care for the down and out, and even love our enemy.
Jesus gives us some instructions when shining our light in Matthew 5. 44“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be children of your Father in heaven…46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”
May it never be said of us here at ARC that we only engaged with fellow believers within the church walls. Rather, as we walk into the darkness may we joyfully encounter all those we find, no matter what they look like, who they are, or where they have been. May our light shine love, grace, and truth on our neighbor, but most of all, the hope that can only come from our Savior.
Becky Ossefoort