Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the LORD rises to shine on you. Isaiah 60:1
Our church meets the first Sunday of Advent for a Christingle service followed by a tea party. England at this time of year can feel damp and dreary, so embracing the light of Christ through the symbol of a Christingle brings not only cheer but also hope.
As the church is darkened, we sit in expectant silence as each child holds a Christingle, which is an orange tied with a red ribbon. It has a lighted white candle on top and is poked with four toothpicks holding raisins. The orange symbolizes the world, the candle points to the light of Christ, the red ribbon marks His blood, and the raisins represent the fruits of the earth. Seeing the many flames dotted around the room makes me thankful for Christ’s light in the darkness.
God told His people, the Israelites, that He was their light: “The glory of the LORD rises to shine on you” (Isaiah 60:1). Although the earth had been shrouded in darkness, God would beckon nations to Himself through His light in their midst (vv. 2–3). In the New Testament, God’s Son, Jesus, revealed Himself as the light of the world, saying that whoever follows Him will never walk in darkness (John 8:12).
If we feel like we’re surrounded by darkness, we can trust that God shines His light through Jesus. We can hold onto the truth that with Him we’ll always have the light of life. Amy Boucher Pye
How has Jesus brought light into your life? How could you share His light with others today?
Jesus, light of the world, shine on me, that I might spread Your light in my community.
Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased. Luke 2:14
All the Christmas presents in the world are worth nothing without the presence of Christ. —David Jeremiah
The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:4–5
Those who do not turn on the Light called Jesus Christ are walking in a dark world and they do not know . . . they are spiritually dead. But they do not have to be like that. All they have to do is turn on the light called Jesus. All they have to do is listen to Him and follow Him. They will never stumble again, and they will see clearly. —Tony Evans
I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel! Luke 2:30–32
Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most. —Ruth Carter Stapleton
I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. John 12:46
God promises to be our light in the darkness, offering us tangible help and everlasting hope. —Xochitl Dixon
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John 1:14
Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world. —C. S. Lewis
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! Isaiah 9:6–7
Isaiah 60:1–3
1 “Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the LORD rises to shine on you. 2 Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the LORD rises and appears over you. 3 All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance.
