“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” John 1:1-5 NLT
Christmas Eve for us means a traditional church candlelight service, gathering with friends and family, and spending the night with my parents. For Famous, that usually translates to spending an hour in the car by himself during the service, temptations from the family supper of chopped pork barbecue (an international delight prepared in my hometown), and sleeping atop my Mom and Dad’s guest bed. The candlelight service is based on the first verses of the Gospel of John where we viscerally witness the light of a single candle dispelling the blackness of a darkened sanctuary until the flame is passed to each worshiper’s candle.
This year will be a little easier for Famous. With church duties for me on Christmas morning, I have decided to leave him at home for tonight’s functions and spend the night in my own home back with him. On Christmas Day the two of us will re-join family for a day of celebration and fun seeing parents, siblings and nieces and nephews.
God’s Light is Life. For those that carry his Light, it becomes easy to recognize those who stumble through the darkness. The world is full of forces which can easily snuff out a single candle. Therefore, we need to constantly help one another illuminate the path to salvation. If it seems you have not seen evidence of his light in your life, then I encourage you to look for the one thing or person in your life who has been the best mirror of God’s Light. It is there waiting for you. Famous reminds me of God’s love that is ever-present in my life. This is the blessing of Christmas which I hope you have felt throughout this year of writing. Famous keeps my heart tender and open to the Word of God which I seek every day. Merry Christmas!
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