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About this post: This blog post is part of a series of daily devotionals where we are exploring Jesus' life through the book of John. To sign up to receive text notification of these posts, text zpcdevo to 39970. We welcome your comments and questions each day.

About the author: Good morning, this is Butch West wishing you a very Merry Christmas. My wife Jan and I have been attending ZPC since 1984 and became “official members” in 1986. During our almost 60 years of marriage we have raised one daughter, who is living in Texas with her husband and our only two grandchildren, and two sons, both living here in Indianapolis. I have been blessed to serve as an Elder and Deacon at ZPC, participated in Great Banquet and Kairos Prison ministries, and enjoy being a part of what Pastor Deck refers to as the season saints – Second Half Adventurers. 

Scripture: John 8

During our 35 years at ZPC, we have attended the eleven o'clock Christmas Eve service almost every year. As this service progresses, the Sanctuary becomes darker and darker until the only light comes from the advent candle – the CHRIST CANDLE. Then the light of this candle is passed on to the members of the congregation until the Sanctuary is once again filled with light.

In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Jesus has passed the torch to us as believers. This world can be a dark place, but we are called to lighten up all with whom we come in contact , not just this Christmas season, but the whole year long.

I challenge each of us, as the darkness of night turns into the light of day, to ask God each morning to show us where we can shine Christ’s love, to bring some joy where there is little, to bring hope where there seems to be none, to be a friend to the friendless. My favorite line in the Great Banquet liturgy is “Having received the Grace of God, I pray not to waste it.”  We have been given the light, we must pass it on.

Prayer:

Thank you, God, for bringing the light into this world, thru Jesus Christ.  Let our light so shine!!!
Amen

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