Advent Devotional by John Hayes: Friday December 6, 2019

Posted on December 6, 2019 | Posted by Mary Stoneback

When I think about this year’s Advent theme of a light shining in the darkness, I am immediately drawn to our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Besides the outstanding sermons from our Pastors, I love the act of lighting up our sanctuary by sharing the flame from candle to candle, member to member. We start with a darkened sanctuary and finish with hundreds of candles providing enough light for us to see the cross behind our altar.

The sharing of our light on Christmas Eve is the same way Christianity began to spread. Jesus called his disciples and then sent them out on the Great Commission. These twelve candles in the darkness spread Christianity throughout the world. We have that same commission today to help spread the word of God and Jesus throughout our community and the world.

During our Strategic Visioning process, we adopted a new vision statement for Ascension Lutheran Church – “Transformed by God’s grace, the people of Ascension shine God’s light into darkness.” Let us confidently take this to heart and act accordingly.

Lord, as we prepare for your arrival during this Advent season, help us boldly shine your light into the darkness of this world. Help us to bring your light to your people through our Evangelism and Outreach programs.

~John Hayes