It has been one long slug of a maranthon this 2020. Advent sped by so quickly and I can’t believe it’s already Christmas Eve. 2020 has been a year of heartache, loss, suffering and lament. I have felt the range of emotions from fear to anger to grief but also peace and hope. 

As I try to re-align my heart and spirit with what God is doing in my midst, I find this Christmas particularly meaningful because out of so much darkness, I’m grateful for a God who does not leave me in the dark but whose rays of hope and grace outshine whatever dark situation I find myself within. The light of the world (John 8:12), Jesus Christ, God’s Son, the Word made incarnate (John 1:14), is not done bringing his Kingdom here on this earth until death and despair are finally swallowed up in victory (1 Cor 15:43).

Professor Tom Wright, former Anglican Bishop of Durham, has an inspirational Christmas message for all of us who have endured the darkness of 2020. I was really encouraged by his message, and I hope you are too. The link to his Christmas devotional is above. I was most inspired that the Word made flesh still dwells among us by His Spirit and He does not sit still. He will not stop his redemptive work until He remakes the world. Amen! May the Lord Jesus be so real to you that darkness is driven from your life because you stand in Christ’s presence and grace. Christmas blessings!