Jesus welcomed the people, taught them about the Kingdom of God and healed those in need. Luke 9:11

Seeds of the Kingdom

Light in the Darkness

by Peter Horrobin

“For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people. A light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
Luke 2:31-32, NIV

On this first day of 2021, I would like to wish every one of you reading today’s Seed of the Kingdom, a very blessed New Year. For no matter how difficult or dark last year may have been, our Scripture reminds us that the Christian message is one of light, joy and hope for all peoples. In spite of all the difficulties that the whole world has experienced in 2020, we have an incredibly joyful message for those who truly seek the One who is the Saviour of the World.

Simeon had spent all his life longing for the day when he would finally see the baby he had been waiting for. Day by day in the temple he had been watching and waiting and when, finally, the day came, and his eyes lighted upon the baby Jesus in Mary’s arms, his spirit was immediately alerted to the words of the prophet Isaiah and he spoke out our Scripture for today. His eyes had seen the salvation which God had been preparing for generations – for both the Gentiles and the Jews.

We didn’t just celebrate the birth of a baby over the Christmas season, but we were celebrating the incarnation of Jesus, the Light of the World. World events are hastening on and it feels as though darkness is closing in. It’s a fact, however, that lights shine with equal power day and night, but during the daytime they are barely visible. Then, as darkness falls they seem to shine ever brighter till in the fullness of the night they shine brilliantly. The night is coming. And the Light of the World will shine ever brighter as darkness falls and the babe of Bethlehem awaits the moment for His return as King of Kings.

Today we can truly give thanks to God Himself that in His mercy He sent Jesus and that His love encompasses all who cry out to Him from the darkness. And, like Simeon, day by day we watch and wait with excitement in our spirits.

May the joy of Jesus fill your hearts and minds throughout 2021 and may I encourage you to pray today for those you know and love who have not yet discovered the Light that soon they will come to know Him.

Prayer: Thank You that You gave Simeon the inner witness as to who the babe in Mary’s arms really was. Thank You Lord for bringing eternal Light into the world. Help me never to lose sight of who You really are and that one day, You will be returning as King. In jesus’ Name, Amen.

Peter Horrobin is the Founding and International Director of Ellel Ministries. The work was originally established in 1986 as a ministry of healing in the north-west of England, but today the work has spread round the world, with Ellel Centres in over thirty nations. Peter has been doing lots of writing recently, including the "Journey to Life" series which can be purchased online at sovereignworld.com.

 

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