God gave the Old Testament prophet Isaiah a glimpse into the future. There he saw Christ blazing in brightness, destroying the darkness and the sin that enslaves us all. Yes, Christ was born among us this day over 2,000 years ago. He came to us fully God and fully human. And as God, He could do what no one else could do. He alone paid the price to make us holy in God the Father's eyes. Living a sinless life and sacrificing that perfect life on the cross was the price required to make us whole and righteous before God. He did what we could not do ourselves. That's why Jesus Christ was born this day from the virgin's womb. A small boy sleeping in a feeding trough, He came to bring you never-ending peace. He grew up as a normal boy, a carpenter's son with callused and splintered hands. But He never messed up. He was sinless, growing up for those living in a land of sin and of deep darkness-for you and me. But did you know that Christ still comes to us this day? Yes, for us who live in the darkness of sin and death, Jesus still comes. He comes, bringing you into His glorious eternal light. So feast this day on the Christ who comes to you-hidden in the Word preached from the pulpit, hidden in the Word in the bread and chalice. Go to where Christ comes to you on this most joyous of days. Rejoice! Death no longer has dominion over you.
THE PRAYER: Our Father, You have shined on us the brightness of Your true Light, Jesus Christ, Your Son. Through Your Son, who still comes to us today, we ask that You bring us to the fullness of joy into eternity. Through the true light, Jesus Christ, we pray in the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Written by Pastor Rich Futrell
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
Kimberling City, Missouri
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