We often celebrate the season of Christmas by reflecting on the unlikely characters and circumstances involved in the birth of our long awaited savior. What an incredible moment it must’ve been to witness as Jesus arrived in history. The gospel of Luke (1:77-78) says, “Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”
All of the Christmas story is reflective of this light: The angel of the Lord whose radiance surrounded the shepherds, The star of Bethlehem that was a guiding light for the Wise men—it all points to the Light of the World, being born in a lowly manger.
Years before Jesus even hits the scene, Isaiah 9 says, “Nevertheless that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever…The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine…For a child is born to us, a son is given to us."
God’s people yearned to see him, feel him, to experience his magnificent presence again. While the circumstances surrounding his birth weren’t what they expected of their coming King, (after all, who would’ve ever believed that the King, Messiah, would be born in the lowliest possible situation?) He had been long anticipated. What Isaiah says is evidence of that.
We celebrate the birth of Jesus because He was Gods epic mission to redeem and reconcile all of humanity to Himself. And get this—Just as Jesus was light in the darkness, we, as his followers, are light bearers (Matthew 6).
Renovation Church is celebrating this season, not just because of the birth of Jesus and his mission. We’re celebrating because we’re witnessing and participating in the birth of a new work of God that will change lives for eternity. Church planting is a part of the continuum of Jesus’ final words, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” (Matthew 28). Making disciples will happen as we bring light, joy, hope, and love into our broken community.
Renovation is on that mission to reconcile, rebuild, and renovate communities with the light of Jesus. What a sweet correlation.
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