In the world, there shines a light—the redeeming light of Jesus Christ. When we come to Jesus, we are invited to step out of the shadows of sin into the brilliant, transformative light that only He can provide. This light is the key to a new identity—one grounded in righteousness, freedom, and grace. The Bible speaks of Jesus as the true light, the One who came to pierce the darkness of sin and offer us salvation.
Jesus’ birth is the fulfillment of God’s plan to restore humanity’s broken identity through His life, death, and resurrection (Galatians 4:4-5). Advent reminds us that our identity is not rooted in our flaws or failures but in God’s redemptive love. Advent is a time to reflect on this familial relationship and live into our identity as part of God’s family.
I remember, as a small child, a heavy emphasis was placed on wealth, my appearance, and how well I kept my room. I could do nothing to please my mother. She found faults and flaws in everything. I did not know what a compliment was or how to give or receive one. I also longed to hear the words “I love you” and desperately wanted affection—a hug or pat on my head, someone to hold my hand, anything just to know I was wanted and loved. I was told that children are to be seen and not heard.
By the time I reached adulthood, my identity was found in my physical appearance, material possessions, perfectionism, performance, and overachievement. This couldn’t have been farther from the truth. When I finally emerged from the darkness, it was like a massive transformation—so unbelievable that I was afraid someone would think I was playing cards with a handful of jokers.
I knew that I knew—when I felt that massive weight lifted from me—that I was a new creation. I knew without a doubt I was not the same person, nor would I ever be that old person again. The enemy still tries to get his foot in the door of my identity, but he’s got the wrong person. I know who I am in Christ. I know my God-given identity. I know what God feels about me, what He says about me, the promises He gave to me, and the inheritance I will receive from Him. It can be found in scripture. Please don’t let the enemy rob you of your identity. Memorize the acronym below and say it until you believe it.
In Christ, I am made new, defined by God’s love, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and a new creation in Christ, transformed by the renewing of my mind. Inheritor of God’s promises while tethered to God’s grace, I am God’s masterpiece. I.D.E.N.T.I.T.Y.
We are image-bearers with our identity in God as we are made in His likeness. God sees you as someone He deeply and unconditionally loves. His love is not based on your performance but on His unchanging nature.
Through Christ’s sacrifice, God sees you as righteous—holy and blameless in His sight. God sees you as an overcomer, empowered by His Spirit to walk in victory over sin, fear, and the enemy. In Christ, God sees you as loved, chosen, forgiven, righteous, His child, a new creation, valuable, and victorious. This identity is secure and unchanging, anchored in His grace and faithfulness.
Advent is a profound season that draws us deeper into understanding our God-given identity through the story of Jesus’ birth and its implications for our lives today.
Understanding your identity in Christ—how God sees you—is foundational to living a life of faith, freedom, and purpose. The Bible reveals that God sees you through the lens of Christ’s work, not your shortcomings.
When Jesus redeems us, He doesn’t just forgive our sins; He gives us a new identity. As believers, we are called to live out this new identity every day. Galatians 5:1, NIV, declares, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” This new identity is a profound shift. 2 Corinthians 5:17, CSB, reminds us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Our old life, marked by sin and death, has been replaced with a life of righteousness and freedom.
Remember, you are a new creation, redeemed by the blood of Jesus. Live in the freedom He has provided, and let His light shine brightly in your life. John 12:46, NIV, assures us, “I have come into the world as a light so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” Step out of the darkness, walk in His light, and live as the redeemed child of God that you are.
Where to start? Probably best to start at the beginning…
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:1-5, NIV
He came with purpose—for a purpose. To save us. To redeem us. To become for us the Redeeming Light. So how can we, in this precious Advent season, remember, rejoice in, and share all that He has done for us? Perhaps by reflecting on where we, each one, individually began:
“Indeed, I was guilty when I was born; I was sinful when my mother conceived me.” Psalm 51:5, CSB
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23, CSB
How do those scriptures hit your heart? Are you inclined, as am I, to affirm the following in light of them?
“For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well.” Psalm 139:13-14, CSB
God knew His redemptive purposes, for your life and mine, from the very beginning! And He both had and has a plan!
“But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8, CSB
Hey, wait a minute, aren’t we talking about Jesus’ birth? The nativity? What’s this about His death? He came with purpose—for a purpose.
“He says, ‘It is not enough for you to be my servant, raising up the tribes of Jacob and restoring the protected ones of Israel. I will also make you a light for the nations, to be my salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Isaiah 49:6, CSB
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29, NIV
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’.” John 14:6, NIV
“He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:10-12, NIV
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1a, NIV
The Redeeming Light shines upon us! How then shall we live? As beloved children of our Heavenly Father, co-heirs with Jesus, who laid down His life for us, that we might live in, and share, His Redeeming Light!
Perhaps you’d like to pray along with me, using His Word, His living and redemptive Word, as a guide:
Oh Lord, our gracious and compassionate Lord, You spoke through Your beloved disciple, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). You were with God in the beginning. And in Your compassion, and by Your grace, You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well (Psalm 139:13-14). You sought me when I was a sinner, and You revealed to me that You laid down Your life for me. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13). And that is what You call me—Friend. When I received You as my Savior by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:9), I realized that You are Who You say You are and that You will do what You say You will do (John 14:20). I became a child of Yours (John 1:12, 1 John 3:1a), born with purpose for a purpose, to live out the redemption story You have for my life! Thank You for Your indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17). Help me walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), as His fruit flourishes in and through my life (Galatians 5:22-23). I know that Your Holy Spirit will guide me into all truth, help me to obey You, and empower me to do Your work (John 16:7, 13; Acts 1:8; Galatians 5:16). Whatever I do, whether in word or deed, help me do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to and praise to You (Colossians 3:17). In Jesus Name, Amen.
How grateful I am that Jesus is the Redeeming Light in my life, and in the lives of all who call Him Savior and Lord. His was not an easy life—born amidst controversy and chaos, but He lived and died surrendered to His Father’s will and is now interceding for us at His Father’s right hand.
I am sitting at my desk writing this short essay for the Hope Church Advent series. So, I have been thinking about my very limited experience with Advent.
As a child, I attended a small Southern Baptist church. It was a long time ago. As far as I remember, Advent was not mentioned in my home church.
Some years later, in my late thirties, with a wife and four kids, we were living in Vermont, working a job, and trying to start a church.
In the town where I lived, each December, I remember hearing about Advent and Advent calendars. I was interested but did not pursue it. That was long ago also. This holiday season at Hope Church, I am taking a closer look at Advent.
I probably do not need to say this, but the season of Advent is a period of preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth—that is Christmas. It is also a time of looking ahead to anticipate the second coming of Jesus.
So, how do I prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth? I like to think about what life might have been like in the towns and villages of Israel. People were living their lives, raising families, and making a living. Most people were not aware that the Messiah had been born in Bethlehem.
The shepherds came to see the baby; they were excited, but within a few days, things were back to normal. People who lived in other cities probably did not know or understand what had happened. Many years passed as Jesus grew up at home with Mary and Joseph, helping care for His siblings and working in Joseph’s carpentry shop. At approximately age 30, His public ministry began.
Jesus said in John 8:12 (NLT): “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
Jesus is the source of all spiritual light in the world. In the same way the moon reflects the sun’s light, I am to reflect the light of Jesus in my life. (The moon has no light of its own; it only reflects the sun.) In a world of darkness, Jesus is our light.
How do I anticipate His second coming? The first step is to have a relationship with Jesus. When I trust and believe Jesus by faith, the Father gives me His righteousness. Righteousness is a big churchy word that means I am in right standing with God, and my sins are forgiven.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9, NKJV
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9, NKJV
“…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10, NKJV
“For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13, NKJV
Celebrating Advent is not required for Christians. The Bible does not mention it. But Advent is a good reminder during this hectic season to slow down and remember what this season is all about.
The first Advent (appearance) was the birth of Jesus 2,000 years ago, which was prophesied by Isaiah around 700 years before Jesus was born.
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6-7, NKJV
What can we do every day while we look for the second coming?
Remember that you are a reflection of the light of Jesus to this world.
Love and encourage one another.
Live as if today were the day.
Keep on doing the work He left us to do.
Go sit on the deck or someplace quiet and think about the goodness of God. Think about what He has done for you.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.” Psalm 23:6, NKJV
The holiday season can get pretty frantic. It is easy to get overwhelmed. With all the gifts, giving, trees, lights, parties, shopping, and many other distractions, it is easy to let Jesus drop into the background. It will take an effort on your part to keep Jesus at the front of the line.
Read the nativity stories in Matthew chapters 1 and 2 and Luke chapter 2. Think about the plan of God to send His Son Jesus into the world, to be born as a child, live a sinless life, die a cruel death on a cross, and be raised from the dead to save us from our sins.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16, NKJV
Think about this Advent season.
Celebrate the birth of Jesus and all the joy that comes with it.
Look forward to that day when Jesus comes back and we spend eternity with Him.
Read your Bible. It is God’s Word on how to live.
If you have questions, ask someone. Lots of help is available. Share Jesus with someone. That would be the best gift ever.
I’ve been in counseling for the past three months. At the beginning of 2024, the Lord prompted me to take that step. I went to one session, was fully open and honest with my counselor, but then I got scared and didn’t return. I’ve had deep-rooted patterns in my life that I’ve tried—and failed—to break for years. So, I decided to give counseling another shot.
Through our sessions, I began to uncover something about myself: I really struggle with expectations. When I feel like I’ve let someone down or failed to meet their expectations, I shut down. I tend to get caught up in my head, and I choose to listen to the voices telling me lies, because “it is the truth” and I am being “honest with myself.” This pattern has been with me for years, and I’ve been trying to break it, but I find myself stuck.
One session, my counselor said something that stopped me in my tracks: “Rachel, you still believe the law applies to your life.” She asked me to think about areas in my life where I felt the most pressure to meet expectations. I listed my career, relationships, and my spiritual life. She wrote these down and asked me to rate how well I thought I was doing in each area on a scale of 1 to 10. To be honest, my ratings were embarrassingly low.
She then drew a bar chart to visualize my answers. The height of each bar represented how accepted I felt, and the empty space above each bar showed how unaccepted, insecure, and unworthy I felt. She said, “You don’t feel secure in these areas because you’re living according to a list of expectations. You’ve been holding yourself to these standards, thinking that meeting them will earn you approval from others—and even from God.”
In that moment, I realized something powerful: I was living under a law of my own making. I had imposed a set of rules on myself, thinking that if I met those expectations, I’d find approval and acceptance. Just like the Israelites in the Old Testament, I was living under a system that wasn’t meant to bring freedom but set me up for failure.
The Old Testament law was essentially a list of demanding rules that no one could fully follow. It wasn’t designed to give life but to point out humanity’s need for a savior. The law highlighted our imperfections and need for grace.
And then, Jesus enters the picture.
He doesn’t come to add more rules to follow. Instead, He offers something revolutionary: healing for the sick, freedom for the oppressed, comfort for the brokenhearted. He offers grace, acceptance, and forgiveness. In Luke 4:18-19 (NLT), we see why Jesus came:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”
Jesus’ message is not about meeting more expectations; it’s about freedom. Freedom from the weight of the law and the pressure to perform. It’s about knowing that acceptance, security, and love aren’t earned by our actions but are freely given by grace. Jesus came to set us free from the endless loop of striving and falling short. We are accepted, not because of what we do, but because of who He is and what He has already done for us.
As I reflected more, I realized I had misconceptions about God. I easily believed Jesus accepted me, but I struggled to believe God did too. It felt easier to relate to Jesus’ kindness than to imagine the Father’s unconditional love. My counselor pointed me to John 6:38 (CSB), where Jesus says, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.” If Jesus is following God’s will, then what is God’s will? It’s to bring good news, proclaim freedom, heal the brokenhearted, and set the oppressed free. God’s heart has always been to heal, restore, and offer hope. The entire story of the Bible is about God’s work in healing and restoring humanity. His will is to bring peace, love, and freedom.
So, what does this mean for expectations, The Law, and me?
It means I must let go of the self-imposed expectations that lead to shame, condemnation, and fear. Instead, I need to embrace God’s way of living—one that brings healing, restoration, and freedom. Self-imposed expectations, in my experience, only breed anxiety and shame. But God’s way brings peace and security. His heart for His children is to be fully known and fully loved, and this is the foundation of His kingdom. When we submit to His way of living, we are promised abundant life.
God’s kingdom isn’t about striving to meet a list of impossible standards. It’s about living in the freedom and grace He offers. His heart is not to burden us with endless rules but to bring us into a relationship where we are accepted and loved for who we are, not because of what we do. Moving away from self-imposed expectations and embracing God’s way of living is where true freedom lies. God’s heart for us is to be free from the weight of expectation and to live fully in His love, trusting that His grace is enough. This truth, once fully embraced, sets us free.
As you celebrate this Christmas season, reflect on the idea that your Father is waiting to exchange your list of expectations with His way—one that brings love, peace, and joy. Take a moment to write down your own list of expectations. Ask yourself, “Are these burdens I’ve placed on myself, or are they aligned with God’s grace?” Pray for the courage to release them into His hands and walk in His freedom.
Famines, earthquakes, wars, and rumors of war—how could God allow such things?
“My brother, a totally innocent man, was brutally murdered at the age of twenty. I could never worship a god who would allow that to happen, if that god exists at all. You say your god is a loving god. Look around. I see the total opposite. I will not worship any god like that.”
These words were fired at a pastor friend of ours who was trying to lead a young man into a relationship with Jesus. His response, full of compassion and bold truth, was both brilliant and inspired.
“I don’t blame you for feeling like you do. What happened to your brother is horrible and tragic. But let me ask you this: You know what would be even worse? Your brother is in heaven and can’t wait for the day you and he are reunited. But you won’t be there because you’re mad at a god you have misjudged.”
How can we know what God is really like? Jesus said, “The one who has seen Me has seen the Father. I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me.”John 14:9, CSB
A study of the character of Jesus could fill more pages than there are books on earth. We know Him to be kind, merciful, loving, patient, forgiving, sacrificial, compassionate, humble, truthful, and peaceful. Not to mention all-knowing and all-powerful. He even has a sense of humor! Best of all, He calls us to be His friend.
So, what is Jesus like? Let’s examine just one instance for some insight.
In Matthew chapter 8, Jesus has spent a long day ministering to the people. He gets in a boat despite the severe weather coming. He calms the storm (!) and crosses the sea to a Gentile region, where He casts a legion of demons out of a desperate, dangerous man. We have read this passage many times. Ho-hum.
But notice: Jesus poured Himself out. When we hear of the sacrifice of Christ, we think immediately about His torturous death. But He sacrificed Himself daily for us. Did He demand veneration or even reciprocity? No.
Did the demonic man ask to be delivered? Not that we know of. Jesus took the initiative, making an arduous journey to save someone considered an outsider—the most despicable man in the region. And when He is asked to leave, He complies.
Remember, Jesus said, “The Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees the Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”John 5:19, CSB
So, in this passage alone, we learn the Father loves us when we are unlovable. He seeks us out and ministers to our needs. And He does so in miraculous ways. He doesn’t force Himself on us but respects our wishes.
There are two ways of looking at the world:
We can (mis)judge God by what we see and evaluate Him based on our interpretation of earthly events. Sadly, this is what most of us do.
Or we can interpret worldly events knowing that God is sovereign and that He works all things for my good and the good of those who love Him. We can have faith in the God who has revealed Himself to us through Jesus and trust Him in all things at all times.
This season, take some time to get to know God better. Pause. Open His Word. Soak, linger, meditate in a single passage. Ask Him to show you what He longs for you to know about Him. He is waiting for you and yearns for time with you more than you yearn for time with Him.
The eternity He promises us is far beyond our grasp, but we know it will be glorious! The main reason we can celebrate our salvation is because we will get to be with Him. Forever.
The alternative is unthinkable. Think about it. Is there someone you will see this Christmas that needs to know God for who He really is, and not the vindictive, judgmental, arbitrary god they hear about? Wouldn’t it be tragic if someone you love won’t be in heaven because they are mad? Or simply ill-informed? Another perspective, a paradigm shift lovingly presented—could be the greatest gift of all.
This Christmas, as we celebrate the Great Light, consider offering the greatest gift to someone else: the truth about the Father who loves them deeply—introduce them to Jesus.
Well, it’s that time of year once again! The beauty of the Christmas holiday, where parents and children hustle to and froe, setting up decorations while purchasing presents for parties and gift exchanges. Gorgeous light displays characterize and colorize the festive atmosphere. Yet, despite all the LIGHTS, LIGHTS EVERYWHERE, something deeper is missing. These decorative lights may stimulate our senses, but they fail to enlighten our hearts and souls. There is, however, a true Light, eternal in nature, which brings eternal life, hope, deliverance, and ultimate fulfillment. That true Light is Jesus the Messiah, our Lord and King!
Jesus made many eternal and rock-solid claims concerning His identity and purpose. Two out of the numerous audaciously righteous claims are found in Matthew 5:17 and John 8:12. In the former text in Matthew’s gospel, the Lord declares, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to FULFILL” Matthew 5:17 (CSB). This statement is pivotal because it shows that Jesus is the culmination of God’s promises, not the rejection of them. The latter text shows Jesus declaring Himself as the Light of the world, causing all who follow Him to not live in darkness. This is a bold claim, one that demands our attention—Jesus is not just a part of our story; He is the Light that leads us out of darkness.
If we further investigate, we will find these realities highlighted in key Messianic prophecies found in the Old Testament. One of these texts is Isaiah 9:1-2 (CSB):
‘But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish; in earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, The Light will shine on them.’
Interestingly enough, this same prophetic text is quoted in Matthew 4:14-16. In fact, everywhere throughout the gospels, whenever Old Testament Scriptures are cited, the writers show how Jesus fulfilled that specific prophecy.
One may ask, “What does all this mean and what relevance does it have for me?” It’s very simple. It means everything: EVERYTHING Jesus claimed concerning Himself is true. HE IS THE LIGHT BRINGING ETERNAL LIFE TO OUR SOULS, and He is the fulfillment of EVERY promise meticulously laid out in all Scripture! PRAISE GOD AND BLESSED BE THE NAME OF JESUS! We can surrender our lives and beings to Him and His Lordship. We can totally trust in His faithfulness and devotion to us as His beloved people, the children of the Living God.
As we enter the Christmas season, may the LORD remind us that He was zealously faithful to His first advent, paying the ultimate price for our sins. He is equally zealous for His second advent, fully establishing our redemption and His kingdom. Grow closer in your union and devotion to Jesus in your everyday life. This will cause you to be a radiant light for Christ in a dark world desperately searching for life and meaning. The world needs to see the real Jesus, the One who passionately loves them and VIOLENTLY keeps His covenant promises to His people.
So, this Advent, let’s reflect on the true Light that has come. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and let the Light of Christ illuminate your heart anew. Happy Advent and welcome, Lord Jesus! AMEN!
