The Scripture For Today
Matthew 4:16
“The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”
L is for lampstand, which is something we see quite a lot of at Christmas. Perhaps you have lampstands in your church, a branched candleholder which holds a line of candles.
Within the Tabernacle, along with the Showbread, was a lampstand with seven lamps which held oil. The lamps of this stand were never to be allowed to extinguish and held symbolic references that are sacred to Christians to this day. We see Christ within the Jewish pattern of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The design of lampholder was to be ornamented with representations of almond blossoms. The almond was the first to blossom in the spring in Israel, and was the symbol of new life.
The flowering almond has been a symbol of hope.
As believers in Christ we are admonished to be as lampstands, giving the light of Christ in a world gone dark with sin.
Lampstands
Here are some examples; from Scandinavian, Hebrew menorah, to artistic designs.
Click here to learn about Hanukkah
Mention is made of Hannukkah in the book of John.
John 10:
2 Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”
During Advent we light candles, and rejoice in their light and meaning. We hear the stories of the Angels coming to announce Christ’s birth to the shepherds, the magi bring gifts, and we sing traditional songs, eat special food, and decorate our homes.
Are we happy it is Christmastime? Does our holiday tap into the wellspring of worship? Do we hope in Christ? Are we at peace with God? Do we know the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ?
Perhaps today we can do some pondering of these things, and pray for God to make known to us more of His Salvation, a deeper understanding of Christmas, and give us light. If we are alight with the Light of God, we may ask to shine brighter, to have a full portion of the oil that keeps us burning bright.
It is time for Christmas, a festival of light inside our soul. It is time we dedicate, and re-dedicate ourselves to God.
The carol for today is “O Little Town Of Bethlehem”.