No matter how routine it was, I never got used to the lights being flipped on by my parents in the morning. Morning after morning, having just hit the snooze button and nestled under the covers, I would hear, "Time to get up!" And then, click. Groan!
When the light goes on, kids typically don't spring out of bed-except on Christmas. On that day, they embrace the excitement and anticipation of the season, and pop out of bed-often getting up before the rest of the household. They arise with enthusiasm at an hour that would normally make them wince, whine, and groan.
But that was three days ago, right? Today, life has returned to a comfortable and predictable routine.
Now I can breath a sigh of relief from the busyness of the weeks before. And though it was hectic, a little crazy, and left me a bit scatterbrained at times, it was still joyous. Lights adorned homes and trees. Festive music played on the radio and in church. Additional time was devoted to God's Word in preparation of the promise of "Immanuel"-God with us. And for a while, it changed our routines.
Today, with Christmas Day just recently past, God's light still shines brighter than ever. Rise and shine because His light has come. By entering our world, Jesus bore our daily grind of temptation and sin and changed the prospect of our dead-end routine. From the manger to the cross, Jesus fulfilled the perfect requirement of living as God's unblemished Lamb. Conquering sin, death, and the power of the devil through His spotless sacrifice, He transforms believers. The old routine has ended. We are given a new life. Our journey is now in the risen glory of the Lord.
THE PRAYER: Creator and Redeemer, daily remind us that our routine is no longer in the darkness but a journey in the light. Let us rise and shine because You have come. Amen.
Written by Pastor Benjamin Francisco
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church
Brady, Texas
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