THE WORD: A wonderful gift

PHOTO CAPTION: “Adoration of the Shepherds” (1609) by Caravaggio is a painting held in the collection of the Regional Museum of Messina, Italy (Public Domain).  Caravaggio is known as a master of the use of light in his paintings.

The Advent wreath is complete as we look towards Christmas 2020. We have been reminded of the hope given to us by the arrival — and the second coming — of Jesus. Peace, joy and love are the feelings we all hope to have during the Christmas season. As we have tracked the Advent season through the Advent wreath, the final candle is traditionally lit on Christmas Day. The white candle represents the light Christ brought to the world.

The “good tidings of great joy” started in a lowly manger but resulted in a path to our salvation. The spiritual hymn “Go Tell It on the Mountain” reminds us in its chorus of the great commission: “Go tell it on the mountain, That Jesus Christ is born!”

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.