Light Has dawned
Today’s Text: Select Scriptures
RECLAIMING CHRISTMAS

Hope is a recurring theme of Scripture. Plainly evident in Messianic prophecies articulating that hope for Israel, there is also a blessing for the Gentile world. Here’s good news!

ISAIAH 60:1-3
Arise, shine;
For your [Israel’s] light has come!
And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
And deep darkness the people;
But the Lord will arise over you,
And His glory will be seen upon you.

The Gentiles shall come to your light,
And kings to the brightness of your rising.

ISAIAH 42:6-7
“I, the Lord, have called You in righteousness,
And will hold Your hand;
I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people,
As a light to the Gentiles,
To open blind eyes,
To bring out prisoners from the prison,
Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.”

JOHN 1:1-4, 9
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.

All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.”

The apostle John puts the Messianic prophesies into perspective at the beginning of his gospel. John establishes that Jesus was not mere man, but God Incarnate.

Jesus Christ is the source of life. He is the Light of the world (Jn. 8:12). In stark contrast to the darkness that signifies death and separation from God, Jesus is the light of life and means of fellowship with God! He is the One who declared, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (Jn. 10:10). He is the light against which the darkness has no power (Jn. 1:4).

Just as the sunrise signals a new day, the birth of the Redeemer some 2000 plus years ago was the dawning of hope for forgiveness of sin and new life for all who put their faith in Him. This is the truth of Christmas people of faith must not only reclaim, but also boldly proclaim. The Good News has the power to not only change lives, but invigorate your faith as you share the true message this Christmas season!

Rev. Charles E. McCracken

Charles E. McCracken is an international Bible teacher, long-time friend of Israel and advocate for the Jewish people. Rev. McCracken is known for authenticity in communicating biblical truth that makes his presentations relevant for those seeking to understand the significance of Israel and the church in Bible prophecy. He staunchly supports the nation of Israel and the Jewish people’s right to exist and live in peace.

© Charles E. McCracken 2017, devotional comments only. Repost/Reprint with permission from the author via Contact Form under ABOUT. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Emphasis added.)

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