URC Daily Devotion 21st December 2019

The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony.  Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath.

Reflection

Welcome to the 21st December – the longest night of the year. 

We are in the depths of winter when the sun is low on the horizon. This time was tough for our agrarian forebears, reminding them that the land wasn’t producing harvest. And it’s still psychologically tough for many of us today. In the depths of winter, now is the time to remind ourselves that the sunshine and the growing season will return to the land. We would be wise to accept this message.

But another message of hope in the darkness is spoken of. This is the message that Jesus is in charge of the Universe, and brings the message of God to this planet’s inhabitants. The message is that Jesus brings so much life-giving power, it has overturned death and decay. Entropy is defeated.  We would be wise to accept this message too.

But we, frail creatures of this good planet, often struggle to accept it. It goes against our experience and upsets our autonomy. Jesus asks us to take Him at his word – a word that bears witness to a reality that is hidden from our senses. 

And what is the cost of ignoring this message? It is not that God is vindictive. Instead, we remain locked in our own self-imposed winter of the soul, living with a sparse measure of light, and still governed by the rule of death and decay. 

Jesus’ message is inviting – new light is coming. Bathe in God’s sunshine.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you that you bring to us news of another source of light and life.
This source is God’s love for the world and its inhabitants.
Even in our struggles, help us to embrace your love and light.