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The 2020 Christmas Season has come and gone. As we have all experienced, 2020 was a year of change and for some, great hardship and heartache. So you may be wondering why, for a new year’s reflection and devotion, is there a picture of my family’s Advent Wreath surrounded by a Nativity scene? Fair enough, but please bear with me. As if we are reading this together, let’s go from Advent to the New Year 2021!
This Advent Wreath was lovingly made by me many years ago and except for fresh candles, it remains the same and a comfort each year as we gather to read Scripture, sing Christmas carols, and pray. Each week a new candle is lit along with the previous outer circle candles representing Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. All culminating on Christmas Eve, with the center white Christ Candle lit to proclaim Christ’s birth and His light and life to the world.
This year, for the first time I noticed that at least 2 of the candles were leaning, “catawampus”, and out of synch no matter what I did to get them in the proper position. Can you see them in the picture? In my heart was the notion that yes, these candles are what 2020 looked like for me–not many weeks got quite into “proper position” from my human standpoint.
But then I realized that the flames of the candles and what the light represents is constant. There is no leaning, variation, no uncertainty with the light! My weeks in 2020 were in proper position from a Spiritual and Godly relationship standpoint.
We can be assured from Scripture and testimonials that God offers and keeps these Advent promises. Our daily life in the new year will not always be in “proper position”, but Jesus Christ came into the world, the Word made flesh to be with us, a light for us, sent to save us—all in God’s perfect plan! Our Lord God is steadfast and true. We are never alone!
May we be blessed with all God has for us in 2021, claiming His Advent promises for us of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. Let us also give thanks that Jesus Christ is the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6). May we find those precious moments to dwell deeply with the Lord through Scripture and prayer, maybe meeting Him personally for the first time. Finally, may we lift each other up in fellowship (virtually or in person) with the steadfast light of Jesus Christ shining brightly from all of us!
John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Amen.
In Christ,
Debbie
ShiningLightCrafts.com