by Rev Steve Nickodemus

What is there to be jolly about?

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
Isaiah 9:2

Two days ago, I caught my neighbor Justin, on a ladder, in front of his grandparents’ house. He was happily stringing up Christmas lights, with the Christmas music on his truck stereo cranked up loud.  Some might say, “What is there to be so jolly about?  Just the end of another year full of troubles, conflicts, and problems.  Just another attempt to be happy in an unhappy world.”

However, Justin is not in denial of the terrible state of affairs of this world.  Perhaps my happy neighbor understands that “in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.”  That a people living in the darkness of sin and death have seen a great light, that even in the shadow of death a light has dawned.  It’s a light that no one can put out, a light that came to enlighten every man – our Lord Jesus Christ.

Yes, there are plenty of Scrooges around at Christmas, proclaiming “Bah, humbug!” to every Christmas joy.  Thank God for the happy Justins, those who know that even in the darkest of times the Light of the world shines forth.  He is not in denial of sin and death, but He knows a Savior who has conquered sin, a Savior who has conquered death.

This Light shines forth out of the manger of Bethlehem … Oh, come, let us adore Him, Oh come, let us adore Him, Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado