11th December 2024
Where did Jesus go when Santa came?
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen
his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full
of grace and truth.”
John 1:14NIV
David Marshall
I was just three years old when I understood the lie about Santa Claus. It's
not like I'm some prodigy. The fat man who snuck into my room and
placed a pillow case with some exciting things inside by my bed was
without a doubt my father.
As a five-year-old, I suddenly became totally aware of the situation and
lost all illusions about Santa Claus. The town where we used to shop for
Christmas was flooded with red-clad, cotton-bearded, broad-shouldered
and bag-toting men. The first time I got near one of these he was stealing
the purse from a woman who was Christmas shopping. My mother
arranged for the man to be arrested.
I never forgot that experience. At school, the teacher sat and told the old,
eternally young story about Jesus, the shepherds, the stable, the stars, the
Magi and the gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh, which they brought with
them from the East. Suddenly the teacher added: "And if you are nice now,
Santa Claus will probably give you some Christmas presents..."
It was too much for me. I set out to tell about the long-fingered Santa I had
seen. My friends were shocked and cried. Everything turned into chaos in
the classroom - and we were even only boys in the class. - The teacher was
furious: "Marshall, how dare you!"
One of my friends came to my rescue with a question that made the
teacher and the whole class lose their minds: “Mr. Teacher, what happened
to Jesus when Santa came?” The teacher remained silent. But here comes
the answer: He was forgotten. A sign with the text: "We have no vacant
rooms" was hung above the planet he came to save. And the time of the
year, which the Christians call "Advent", turns almost everything into a
gigantic "consumption party", a heady rush where we have to surpass each
other and achieve as much as possible. Advent should be a time of
preparation, where we remind each other of the truth that Jesus became
human, and where we also remember that the child, who was then born in
poor conditions, will soon return again as the King of kings.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us ....” John 1,14
But what is even greater is that he came to save man from their sin. To
bring us salvation.
Never let an old Santa be allowed to push this truth away!
"Sign of the Times". Effie Campbell translated
Christmas hope
“Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the
first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. ” and “And I
heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is
now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his
people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe
every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or
crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” ”
Revelation 21:1 and 3-4NIV
When I opened all my Christmas presents as a child, I was always waiting
for something bigger. Not more gifts, but "more" in a deeper and greater
sense. I could leave the presents, stretched out towards the window and
gaze longingly out at the snowy expanses outside. What was I longing for?
Jesus had come. What more could I expect and hope for? Why did I sense
this strange longing for a more complete Christmas?
True, I was only a child, but in some strange way I had understood that
Christmas on this side of eternity is nothing more than a promise. The
savior has come, yes, right, but the story is not over yet. There is peace in
our hearts, but we also long for peace in the world. Every time we
celebrate the first coming of Jesus, we at the same time affirm that his
second coming is now one year closer. All our Christmas carols are like an
echo from the heavenly hymns that will fill all heavenly spaces when God
makes all things new. Each and every Christmas present is also a sign
pointing towards the greatest of all gifts: eternal life. Every smile reminds
us of the joy that awaits us when we are allowed to be with our loved ones
forever.
The angels over the fields of Bethlehem announced the birth of Jesus, but
one day they will announce his return. The flame in the Christmas light
must remind us of the light that "The nations will walk by its light, and the
kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it." Rev.21,24 Every
Christmas we can celebrate that now his return is one year closer.
Maran ata (Our Lord is coming). Merry Christmas. You came to us and
you will come again!
9th December 2024
Christmas in Korea
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will
be given to you as well."
Matthew 6:33NIV
W.F. Miller
The best of all days of the year was fast approaching, when we were to
celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ. We were all excited. The children at
the orphanage were eager to learn their part of the Christmas program.
We had ordered Christmas presents, sweets and food from Seoul, 240
miles away. It was the only place from which it was possible to get it - and
that was by train. We did that three weeks before Christmas, and the first
week nothing happened. Then the train employees began a strike. A week
went by and then another and now it was just before Christmas Eve. I
cycled to the railway station, which was a mile from our home in Milyang.
But there hadn't been any trains yet, and thus no food, Christmas presents
or sweets either. I cycled back again. My wife met me at the doorstep. She
asked, "Haven't there been any trains yet?" - "No," I replied, "and the
director there didn't know when a train would arrive." - "This will be a
poor Christmas," said my wife. We had almost nothing in the house, a little
bit of flour and rice, that was all.
I tried to encourage her and said, "My God has never failed us yet." But
even as I said this I felt heavy and discouraged. Then the Lord's words
came to me: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all
these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33NIV God said, "all
these things" - What does that mean? Did it also apply to what we had
ordered and were so anxiously waiting for? We had to celebrate the
holiday together with the children.
The following day, Christmas Eve, I got up early, well before the sun came
up, and cycled again towards the train station. Again I got the same
answer: "There has been no train and I don't know when one will come." -
I began to pray: "God, what shall we do?" I reminded Him that He had
promised to be with us always until the end of the world. The sun faded in
the east. My wife again came against me. Her eyes were wet. “What do we
do? What shall we say to the children?”
I replied, "My dear, God has never yet failed us." We went inside, read the
word of God and fell on our knees. We had no words to say – we could
only cry. While we were lying there there was a knock on the door. Outside
stood a small Korean boy with a basketful of eggs in his arms. I said to my
wife: "God has not failed us - we have eggs for Christmas." Again we fell
on our knees, but this time to thank God for the eggs. Again someone
knocked on the door. We rushed out – our faith grew. A young Korean
stood there. He handed us a large package wrapped in newspaper. I took it
and placed it on the kitchen table and as I did so I could feel something
alive inside. Quickly I opened the package - it was a big 10 pound fish.
“You see,” I said, “God does not fail us.” And again we had to thank the
Lord.
While I was cutting the fish open and taking out the entrails, someone was
standing outside the door shouting in Japanese. I looked out. It was the
police chief.
We were in Korea during the genocide. We were arrested and thought he
had come back again to arrest us, but he wasn't. He said: “I have come here
with a gift because I know it is your God's birthday. I just came to this
parish and I want you to know that I value your work as missionaries very
much and I want to be your friend.”
He had a Korean man with him carrying three boxes. He asked where to
put the boxes. I asked him to put them in the corridor. I thanked heartily
and turned inside to get the hammer to open the boxes. There were
tangerines in all the boxes. We were overjoyed and filled with gratitude to
the Lord. This was pure luxury for these little Korean children. We counted
the mandarins. There were 320, plenty for all the children and even some
for us too.
I had eaten many good Christmas dinners, but never one better than this
one, consisting of eggs, fish and tangerines.
Many years have now passed since that time, but God has never yet failed
us.
Merry Christmas everyone!
"The Church Bell" 1969. Effie Campbell translated
Christmas was expensive
”but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these
last times for your sake.”
1.Pet.1:19-20NIV
Christmas cost Maria and Joseph that they had to do without the cozy
atmosphere at home for the many years they had to stay in Egypt to protect
the little child's life.
It cost the mothers in and around Bethlehem their little children, because
the horrible Herod killed them.
It cost the shepherds their rest, when they had to leave the flock in favor of
the manger.
It cost the first apostles and other Christian disciples persecution and often
death.
It cost the missionaries an unimaginable amount of suffering and
deprivation to preach and spread the gospel.
But more than all this - it cost God our Father His only Son - He sent Him
to earth to die for sinners.
It cost Jesus a life of sacrifice and service and a painfull death on the cross,
where He bore the sins of the world.
IS CHRISTMAS TOO EXPENSIVE?
It is if it simply means giving and receiving gifts.
It is, if it merely means Christmas tree and decorations.
It is when millions are being used for this party.
It is, if it merely means a few days off.
CHRISTMAS IS NOT TOO EXPENSIVE
If it brings hope to the world!
If it means forgiveness of sins!
If it means peace between people!
If it prepares people to go to Heaven!
If we look at what God and Christ gave, and we see all the world's need
today, is Christmas even expensive enough for us?
"The church bell 1969. Effie Campbell translated
A Christmas story about a cuckoo clock
““Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the
door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who
seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. ”
Matt.7:7-8NIV
A deaconess and nurse who works at the nursing home in the Betaniahouse
near Solingen in Germany once experienced something quite special:
She cared a lot about all those who suffered from various ailments and
diseases and were tormented in this world and therefore for many weeks
leading up to Christmas she had packed 24 packages. The work of finding,
buying, packing and shipping had exhausted her, yet it had filled her with
joy and gratitude.
But there was one more package missing that had to be sent off. It was
going to Poland. She had just enough money for that last package. She
couldn't help but look up at her blank wall, and then she remembered a
wish she had long cherished, the wish to buy a cuckoo clock. After all, she
also had to be kind to herself!
Didn't the Bible have a reminder for Christians to love others as
themselves? 24 packages were the evidence of her love for those who were
her neighbors, friends and relatives! But it had to be okay to be a little
good to yourself too!
As Christmas now approached, she could not find rest in her mind. She
had planned to go out and look at the cuckoo clock several times, but each
time she had put the money back in her purse.
"Maybe the people in Poland no longer need my help," she tried to
convince herself of this. But then it suddenly became clear to her that the
thoughts were just an attempt to stop her good plans and she then left to
spend her last money on things that could not be obtained in Poland and
were soon bought, made ready and sent off.
Gladly she returned to rest after a long trip down to the post office.
Suddenly someone rang the doorbell. Uncertain and doubtful, she opened
the door and there stood the postman with a package for her. She couldn't
imagine who had sent it. After some effort, she managed to spell her way
through the name of the sender. And then she remembered. It was from
some people in Schwarzwald whom she had met some time ago and to
whom she had since sent some Christian literature.
When she had removed the brown paper and opened the box, she had
almost screamed out loud with joy and delight, because in the box was a
cuckoo clock, a real cuckoo clock from Schwarzwald!
These people from Schwarzwald wanted to show their gratitude for the
Christian literature the deaconess had given them. Or was it perhaps God
himself who used the family in Schwarzwald to decorate the wall and to
light up the life of this believing deaconess? Call it what you want, but this
German deaconess is convinced that God not only listens to the silent
desires we hide in our hearts, but that He also speaks to us, even through
the sound of a cuckoo, because every time the cuckoo beats its hour, then it
reminds her of how the victory over selfishness and craving this world can
lead to the greatest joy.
"The Church Bell" Effie Campbell translated
Great joy
"But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that
will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior
has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. "
Luke 2:10-11NIV
From the very beginning, when God created man and breathed the breath
of life into him, God has loved his creation. But it was soon that the devil
began to work against God to make people turn their backs on God and go
against His commandments and regulations.
Humans turned to sin. God hates sin. He hates the sin, but even though He
hates sin, He does not hate the sinner. On the contrary, God loves the
sinner.
When sin had gained such power over the human race that God had to
send the flood over the earth, he could not bring himself to exterminate
people mercilessly. He wanted to give them an opportunity for salvation.
He had Noah build the ark so that all those who clung to the living God
would be saved. After the flood, people again became more and more
numerous. Sin took over again, so people turned their backs on God. God
sent His prophets to warn people and ask them to turn again to the living
God, because He still loved people in the same way. But soon it became
clear to God again that people had distanced themselves so far from God in
sin that this could only be restored through this one thing. God had to let
his only son come down to earth, be born, live and die as the son of man.
Only if the Son of God gave His life for us could His blood be the ransom
for all the sins of the world. And God loved the world so much that he
gave his only begotten son to our world.
It was this glad tidings that the angels announced on the first night of
Christmas. The Savior of the world was born.
Now 2,000 years have passed since this happened, but do we celebrate
Christmas to commemorate this immeasurably great act of love towards
the human race by God?
Jesus Christ was born in a stable on the first Christmas night on earth. He
gave his life on Calvary, but before he breathed his last breath, he cried
out: "It is finished!" What was finished? Indeed, the whole work of
salvation, which he had been sent down to earth to complete, was now
fully fulfilled. Now he had paid for all the sins of the world with his own
blood. Therefore whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal
life.
Indeed, God still loves us as before, and therefore we can rejoice in the
Christmas message: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to
you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11 and say together:
Now, dear Lord Jesus Christ,
make you a cradle in my chest,
take shelter in my heart there,
that I will never forget you again!
J. Kass
"You have won, Galilean!"
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the
Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped
in cloths and lying in a manger.””
Luke 2:11-12NIV
One of the Roman emperors who was the greatest opponent of the
Christians, it was Julian the Apostate, who was emperor during the period
(361-363). He was called "the apostate" because as a young man he had
supported Christianity, but after he had been crowned emperor he turned
180 degrees and became a pagan instead.
Paganism was given good conditions for growth under Julian's rule and the
pagans were given many privileges, but still there were only a very few
who abandoned their Christian faith and went over to the pagan faith.
Julian was almost 32 years old when he died in a battle against the
Persians in the year 363. It is said that before he expired he stretched his
hands to heaven and shouted: "You have conquered, Galilean!"
In the end, Julian had to admit that Jesus Christ had won, but so many
other people have had to admit that too. However much they tried to fight
against Christ, they did not win the final victory over Him, but had to
succumb. Many had to admit that, if not before, then at least when the
hourglass of life was about to run out.
In the eyes of men, it looks poor and wretched that a child is born in a
manger - and poor it was, but this little child prevailed in the end!
There was something despicable and mocking about seeing a man hanging
on a cross, but the man on the cross won the final victory on Easter
morning!
Jesus triumphed over the devil and the evil one - he fought the battle to the
end and he won the victory.
We too can win the final victory - if we let Jesus rule our lives, then we
will win together with him.
The angel said on the first Christmas night out in the fields of Bethlehem:
”...peace to those on whom his favor rests.”” Luke 2:14 Indeed, that was
the greeting, but we will not get peace on earth except when Jesus wins
and defeats human hearts. -
Therefore let Jesus conquer your heart, a victory that makes you a part of
salvation and then you will help make the greeting of peace on earth a
reality.
In the life of a believer there is always a struggle, but a struggle that will
eventually lead to the final victory if you are persistent, and the victory
will give you a heavenly peace. Such is the Christian's life, exciting,
meaningful and joyful.
God grant that he who was born into the world in a stable in Bethlehem on
Christmas night, that he may win victory in my life and yours - because
then life is worth living"
G.Z.
THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
”... “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? ...”
Matt. 2.2 NIV
Chr. C. Svendsen, editor
This was the question that the Magi set when they arrived at Jerusalem.
Who was the Magi? It was believed that they were three representatives of
the Gentile population. We do not know for sure, whether they were three
or more. It is not said.
Propably it is the descendants of the Jews who were driven away from
their land 500 years prior to this by Nebuchadnezzar army at the time
when Babel occupied the land, destroyed the temple and forced the
majority of the people in exile.
Just a hundred years later, a small part of this groupe returned and rebuilt
Jerusalem, but the majority of the Jewish people remained in Babal, where
they gradually built a school for the Jewish faith, an institution that had a
decisive influence on how the jews would later exist as a Jewish groupe in
the coming centuries. Here the scriptures were thoroughly examined, and
where God is examined wholeheartedly and reasonably, there is also the
possibility of revelation.
They have probably known about the sequences in the Old Testament
where it is said that a king was to be born, one who would save the people.
One of these sequences, which they have undoubtedly studied, is, Numbers
24.17NIV: ”... A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of
Israel. ... ”
But there are more sequences from the Scripture that inspired them. And
when the time was ripe for these historical events to come to pass, the
Holy Ghost worked among these theological researchers, the Magi. One
day they saw this unusual star, and these learned men must have talked
about this phenomenon. A small delegation was selected and sent to
Jerusalem. They received gifts to bring to the new king and then they
departed, along the Euphrates River, through the dry desert and up from
the north, they entered the country, along the Megiddo Pass and on to
Jerusalem.
How long were they on their way? At least two weeks. Faith and hope
brought them forward. In Jerusalem they immediately began to ask for the
newborn king. But the inhabitants of the city knew nothing about it. The
Magi told them that they had seen his star in the east, and now they had
come this long way to worship this unique person. When Herod found out
why these strangers had come to Jerusalem, he became terrified. But he
did not sweep all of the table as rubbish, because the ancient Scripture had
a powerful influence on the Jewish people. He summoned the town's chief
priests and asked them, "Where is Christ to be born?" What is written
about this? "
These scribes and priests gave the king a clear answer: ”“‘But you,
Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of
Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people
Israel.’” ” When Herod heard this, he secretly sent for the Magi and
inquired them when they first saw the star. Suppose he thought he could
calculate how old the child ought to be.
He sent the Magi to the town in order to find the child and then asked them
to come back to him and tell where this king was, for he would like very
much to come and worship him. But he lied, he had fraud in mind. He had
hidden plans. Herod apparently believed the Prophet's words; but he made
some wrong conclusions. His heart was not right in relation to God. It is
not enough just to know about God's word. The heart must be set to the
truth. When the Magi went outside again, they had to admit that they did
not get anything out of it. And they now had no one to guide themselves.
But then suddenly they saw the star that they once had seen in the east, and
they became very happy.
These men wanted to find Jesus, which is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
And they found him. The star went ahead and showed them the way. Here
we can learn something important. If you follow the light you have, you
will be taken on the right path, even if you come to a place where
everything seems to be hopeless. It is Jesus, that is the answer in your life.
They found the house where the child was. They gave their gifts to the
child and they worshipped the king.
Then they were to return and tell Herod all this. But these men were
sensitive to the spirit - that's why they were wise. God warned them so
they did not seek Herod, but instead they immediately set their course
toward their own country.
- - -
Jesus is the king. Before his birth, an angel said to his mother, ”You will
conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be
great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give
him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s
descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” ” Luke 1.31 to 33 NIV
In the Christian church we have emphasized that Jesus reconciled our sins
with his own blood. And this is a vital truth. This is the beginning of the
gospel, the joyful message. But we must not forget the end. We must
remember that he is king. He returns to sit on his high throne in Jerusalem.
He called Jerusalem "The Great King's City". That's what once began in
Bethlehem.
Kirkeklokken "The church bell." E. Campbell translated.
The only thing I want for Christmas
”If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins
and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9NIV
If we confess that we have sinned, we can come to our Savior and receive
the gift of forgiveness.
C.S.Lewis wrote: “Getting forgiveness from Jesus is like being handed a
video tape with your whole life on it, where everything has been erased
from the tape. Unbelievable, wonderful! Then we enter into a personal
relationship with Him and receive His Holy Spirit as a gift.
It's a real Christmas present. But as with all other Christmas gifts, we must
be willing to receive it and open it.
Are you willing to give Him your heart this Christmas? Do you want to be
like the MAGI:
* Bring myrrh – your sins will be put behind you
* Bring incense - entering into a personal relationship of trust with Him.
* Bringing gold - giving Him the best you have. Yourself!
If you want to receive Him, pray this prayer:
Thank you Jesus for leaving Heaven to come to our world as a little child.
Thank you for all that you want to give me in this life. Thank you for
dying for my sins. I know I am a sinner and I am extremely sorry for that.
Forgive me, Lord. Come with your Holy Spirit into my life. Help me from
this moment to show that I belong to you and want to follow you. Amen!
E.C translated
GOD'S CHRISTMAS PRESENT TO YOU
When we go to a full church on Christmas Eve and hear those beautiful
words from Luke 2.1 to 11, we are all touched. The text is about Maria, a
birth, a manger in a stable, the shepherds and the angels, those who pass on
the good news:
”In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be
taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place
while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own
town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to
Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of
David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be
married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time
came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.
She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was
no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in
the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the
Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and
they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring
you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the
town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying
in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared
with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest
heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.””
Luke 2,8-14 NIV
This is so beautiful, so great, so pure and divine. It has all the elements in
it to show God's perfect love for us humans, and the best is that everyone
is included. God does not discriminate. All are included. For God, every
women and men are deer to him.
Therefore, the Christmas tradition and our Christian heritage is so
important. They point back to our roots and show us the way into eternity.
When a society becomes dechristianized and secularized, we lose
reverence for God and subsequently, we loose respect for nature and our
fellow human beings, created in God's image. Then we have a cold society
where nobody cares for the neighbour. Then it is only me and what is mine
that counts.
I thank God that I was born in a country where I heard the gospel from
early childhood. Thanks to mom and dad, my grandparents. Not least,
thank you that I was allowed to meet baby Jesus in the manger, and even
greater is it having received and said yes to the risen Savior, Jesus Christ.
Now it is Christmas and we see the lights in thousands of homes in our
towns, and I think: I hope that you all will have a blessed Christmas and
that you will meet the risen Jesus Christ. Christmas is a joyful time where
we forget what is sad. As it says in Neh. 8.10: ”Nehemiah said, “Go and
enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have
nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy
of the LORD is your strength.” ”
Of course, Christmas can be a difficult and sensitive time for you who has
experienced grief in the past year or in previous years. Perhaps you have
lost a loved one, or have undergone various trials, for example. Illness,
divorce, unemployment or bankruptcy. Regardless, do as the Scripture
says. Rejoice in Jesus, who came down to our world to save us. Remember
that the joy of the Lord overshadows all sorrow and all hardships.
Remember that the joy of the Lord is your strength.
So the only thing left to say: Blessed Christmas. Remember, you are
counted in. Effie Campbell translated
The light has dawned
““Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the
Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people living in darkness have seen a
great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has
dawned.””
Matthew 4:15-16NIV
Again Advent came to us. - The lights on the Advent wreath are lit and in
many places the Advent wreaths also light up in the dark. We have now
reached the darkest time of the year, where each day is darker than the
other, indeed, when the weather is dark, the day is not much more than
dawn and dusk and in many homes the lights are on all day.
Such was the situation at one time in Israel's history. There was only
darkness, a long, long twilight, and it seemed as if this would never end
and bring new days again. And the people lived in darkness and struggled
with discouragement. It seemed as if it would never end. The dark night
would only come closer and closer until finally it would suffocate all hope
of life in its cold and suffocating embrace.
But when it looked the darkest, the light dawned. Then the Lord himself lit
his brilliant light from on high.
The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, who had gone so bitterly
longing for the light to come, they were allowed to see the light. All the
region of Galilee and Judea was permitted to see, indeed, even the
unpopular Samaria was permitted to see this shining clear light. And who
would have thought it? Even in the East, the strong glow of the light could
be seen and it was so strong that a small groupe set off from there too to
pay tribute to the light that had broken out.
Now our Advent candles shine brightly. They bring us a message. They
have a message for you who thought it would never be light again. Now a
beautiful and bright day awaits!
And you who sit in the darkness of the sinner and pull the chains, the
chains of sin in order to break them, you who always had to give up. The
Advent candles that are now lit also have a message for you. It is a sign
that our King, our mighty Lord Christ, will enter the fortress of the strong
one and deliver the captives out of his hands. He calls himself the stronger
one and therefore he can also do it.
Therefore, be happy to consider these Advent candles, because they have
great and good news for people. God give that the Lord would give us
hearing ears and seeing eyes, so that we can all grasp the happy news that
the Advent candles have to bring us!
Christian Hoej
