The Christ Candle: The Lord Has Come, Amazing Love

Throughout this Advent season, as we waited in expectation, we have reflected on the reason for the season–the coming of Christ the King. Love, joy, and peace have been our focus. The true reason for the season

I awoke early this morning, much earlier than usual–try 4 am! It is Christmas Eve. Unlike a young child waking full of anticipation and excitement for days filled with goodies, presents, and play, I awoke with a slew of uncertainties and worries in my heart. Our three adult children would be coming home, how would their significant others feel welcomed in our home? One of our children is struggling with a multitude of issues related to sin and disobedience, how can we love and support them without enabling them in their sin? My husband is trying to finish some work in the new home we built, how can I support him when I’m irritated by the mess and slow progress? I continue to struggle with my chronic auto-immune disorder, exacerbated by a recent bout with COVID, how can I manage the pain and fatigue while still being present while my family is here? These are just a few of the things on my heart at 4 am this morning. So, what did I do?

I prayed. I gave my heartache and worry to the one who sees all, to the one who loved us enough to come to earth and take on flesh and pain and heartache to pay the price for a wrong he never committed. What love is this? Amazing love.

I prayed thanksgiving for that love, a love that transcends any human understanding. What love is this? Amazing love.

I prayed for humility to remember the sacrifices of those believers that have gone before that allow me to celebrate the birth of my savior openly and publicly. What love is this? Amazing love.

I prayed to be made new, to live in obedience to the will of God. What love is this? Amazing love.

I prayed that during this holiday season I could reflect the light of Christ to ALL those I meet. The Christ candle represents this light, the light of Christ. What love brought Christ to earth? Amazing love.

What love is this, that a follower of Christ can go directly to Him, no matter the day, time, or circumstance, and receive the peace that passes all understanding? This is God’s love for us. This is the greatest gift ever given. Praise Him, forevermore!

“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” (Isaiah 9:6)

Merry Christmas! We pray the God’s blessing brings you love, joy, and peace this Christmas and always.

Contributed by Liz Hunt