Lights, Camera, Salvation for the World

Merry Christmas! Wherever you are, there may or may not be snow. You may or may not exchange gifts with family and friends, but if you do, these gifts have probably been purchased, wrapped and placed under the tree, which is often seen as a symbol of permanence and immortality. Meals have been decided on and prepped for; plans have been arranged and the stage is set for Christmas 2023! While the world busies itself with preparations, crossing items off checklists to ensure a successful and smooth holiday season, it can be easy to get swept up in the chaotic blizzard of hopes and expectations that come with giving and receiving gifts and striving to accomplish our grandiose agendas for what we envision when we use our own means to give and receive love, peace and joy. No matter how you celebrate, you probably put a great deal of effort into ensuring your loved ones know they are loved and cared for, in hopes they will feel cherished and valued through the sentiments and acts of giving and seeing the lit-up expressions on their faces.  

While it is a joyous season for many, it’s also a very hard season for some. We have hopes for the holidays that often don’t align with the outcomes, and memories that skew our perspective. These can prevent us from fully appreciating the present moment wherein God has blessed us with the ultimate ever-present gift that is his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Though the skies outside our windows are darker and evenings longer, God leaves his light on, and his light shines everywhere, especially during Christmas. John 3:16 often plays in our minds this time of year, and rightly so. Many of us do need the reminder that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (ESV). Let the bells of this promise echo loud and clear, and may his light beam bright for you today: we are saved through the birth of our loving and gracious Father’s Son, Jesus! Hallelujah! 

As humans, we tend to make light out of dark situations to make ourselves feel better. But when left to our own devices, we fall short, and we won’t experience true peace unless we turn and continue to return our focus and the lens of our hearts to the light of Jesus. So, no matter what your present circumstances are, no matter your perspective, TWR Canada would like to remind you of the light of Jesus, which is available for all to experience this season. Look up at the stars, in the glisten of the snow, in the moonlight, the vibrant lights strung throughout nearby neighbourhoods, the twinkling, moving reflection in your hot cup of cocoa: Jesus loves you and was born to take your burdens and carry them to our Father to hold us, comfort us and bring us the peace and joy that can only be bought through the blood of Christ, which has already been shed.  

This Christmas, we invite you to remember that God wants to take your pain and your memories that bring you to dark places. He wants to shower you with his light and love! And, remember, if and when you get caught up in the storm of the chaos that comes with this season, you can take this opportunity to adjust your perspective, refocus the lens of your heart to see that God is after your heart and wants you to experience joy in his promise through Jesus! What a gift it is to remember that Jesus is the reason for the season!