Peace in the Dawn of a New Day- Friday, December 29th

WEEK FOUR: PEACE IN THE DAWN OF A NEW DAY

The Light of our Countenance

John 8:12 (NRSV)

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

Psalm 34:5 (NRSV)

Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed.

Jesus has come. The Dawn of Light is fully shining on us. And Jesus is telling us that if we follow him, if we follow this Dawn of Light, we will never walk in darkness. I hope these Advent reflections have reminded us how true this is! Jesus provides hope, love, joy and peace in all circumstances. Jesus is our Helper, our Comforter, our Teacher, our Guide, our Redeemer, our Friend. We have abundant life for all eternity.

This Good News is meant to be shared! This Good News is a gift for everyone! How might we serve as witnesses of Christ? One of the ways is to walk among others with this “light of life.” This is the witness of our countenances; how we present ourselves to others. When we walk in peace during troubled times, trusting in the One who holds us and keeps us… when we walk in peace during times of turmoil as gentle, unwavering presences…. when we walk in peace among those who would scorn us as unashamed people of integrity… we will be true witnesses of the Good News of Jesus Christ.

In following the light of the world, Jesus’ light not only will fill us and guide us, but it will reflect on us to shine upon others. We follow and we look to him, and we become radiant. This is our visible witness that the Dawn of Light has fully come, and we will walk in peace forever.

God’s peace shines through our countenance as we follow Jesus.

Numbers 6:24-26 (NRSV)

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.