Treasures In The Darkness ~ Day 27: The Light Of The World Has Come ~ Advent Readings

Treasures In The Darkness by ems 12/23/21

27th Day of Advent
 Week 4: Love (or adoration) ~ Light 3 purple candles and 1 pink candle

Advent Hymn 🎼 In The Bleak Midwinter 🎶 

A poem entitled ‘A Christmas Carol’ by poet Christina Rosetti is the source of this British carol’s words. Although written in 1872, it wasn’t set to music until thirty-four years later, in 1906. Verse one tells of Christ’s first coming, while verse two contrasts the first and second coming, and the last stanza reflects a response to who Christ is. Christina’s many writings of devotionals and poetry expressed her deep faith. For example, in 1883, she wrote the poem Love Came Down at Christmas detailing Christ’s coming, worshiping the Godhead, and love expressed to God and neighbor through prayer, gift, and sign.

In the bleak mid-winter
 Frosty wind made moan;
 Earth stood hard as iron,
 Water like a stone;
 Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
 Snow on snow,
 In the bleak mid-winter
 Long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
 Nor earth sustain,
 Heaven and earth shall flee away
 When He comes to reign:
 In the bleak mid-winter
 A stable-place sufficed
 The Lord God Almighty —
 Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom Cherubim
 Worship night and day,
 A breastful of milk
 And a mangerful of hay;
 Enough for Him, whom Angels
 Fall down before,
 The ox and ass and camel
 Which adore.

Angels and Archangels
 May have gathered there,
 Cherubim and seraphim
 Thronged the air;
 But only His Mother
 In her maiden bliss
 Worshipped the Beloved
 With a kiss.

What can I give Him,
 Poor as I am?
 If I were a Shepherd
 I would bring a lamb;
 If I were a Wise Man
 I would do my part,
 Yet what I can I give Him,
 Give my heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

 “2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. “ ~ Isaiah 9:2-3 and Matthew 4:16

 

Treasures In The Darkness by ems 12/23/21

Every day we experience physical darkness to some degree. Darkness has its purpose. When I was struggling years ago, I cried out to God for understanding. He clearly directed me to Isaiah chapter 45; verse 3, in particular, puzzled me:

 And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness—
     secret riches.
 I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord,
     the God of Israel, the One who calls you by name. ~ Isaiah 45:3

“What treasures can there be in darkness?” I questioned.

God responded with four significant truths on which I can hold.

First, without darkness, there would be no rest. Our brains make the needed chemical hormone melatonin as the light grows dim; it brings RESToration to our body’s many systems. Thus, God knew my weariness and provided His care.

Secondly, without darkness, we could not look up to the heavens and see the uncountable stars, planets, and activity overhead. When we look up at those deep, vast skies, we are reminded how great God is and how small are our fears and concerns. God can handle my most profound need and give me exactly what is necessary.

Thirdly, God is the One who forms light and creates darkness; He also is the One who causes well-being and calamity (see Isaiah 45:6). Calamity? Does that mean God gives me difficulty on purpose? Yes, it does. And amid calamity, He calls my name. He personally comes alongside me. 

But just like a loving parent who withholds good things and even disciplines to teach truth, wouldn’t you rather be held accountable by a God who loves you deeply, than an enemy who hates you? Therefore, this means God is the sovereign Lord over my trials; He is in control of everything that comes my way, and He has proven to be trustworthy.

Lastly, God whispered to me, “pearls (a favorite of mine) are made in the darkness … and yes, even ALL precious stones are created in the darkness.” Pressure, darkness, and time lead to transformation. Yet, God loves me so much that He continues to create life and new things in me!

So, God sent the Light of the World, Jesus, the most precious treasure of all in darkness, to illuminate us not just for a moment but also for our whole lives to increase our joy. 

 May God increase the capacity of your joy~bucket so you may overflow into the lives of others still searching in the darkness.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You are the Lord God, and there is no other. You provided protection, care, and RESToration when I needed it most in my times of overwhelming difficulty. And You continue to give me what I need each day to enjoy this life and to bless others. Thank You so very much for shedding light in my heart by telling me that Jesus came, and through His Eternal Light, I can know and enjoy Your Majesty. I LOVE YOU, ABBA!