Today’s Advent Bible Verse:
John 1:9 ESV

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

Advent is truly a blessed time in the church year. The theme of light is so prevalent in our thoughts this season as we await the celebration of Christmas and Jesus’ coming to us to be our Savior. John 1:9 is one of those particular Advent verses that directs our minds to Jesus and what He does for us.

Jesus’ coming into the world fulfills God's plan of redemption. John writes that the light "was coming into the world." This anticipates the Incarnation when the eternal Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Light is not an abstract concept or general idea; it is a person who enters our world and brings life and truth. The world, darkened by sin and death, desperately needed this light, and Christ came to bring salvation to all who would receive Him.

We know this light comes to us not because we deserve or have earned it but solely through God's grace. Christ's light shines into the darkness of our hearts, illuminating our sins and showing us our need for His grace. Through this light, we can see ourselves as we truly are—sinners in need of a Savior. And it is through this same light that we are given new life, the forgiveness of sins, and the promise of eternal life with God.

As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded of our need for the light of Christ in our daily lives. The darkness of sin still seeks to overshadow us, both in the world around us and in our hearts. But we have this precious promise: the true light that gives light to everyone has come into the world and continues to shine.

In Christ, we find the light that exposes our sin and the light that heals and forgives. We see the light that dispels all fear and gives us hope, even in the most difficult times. And we find the light that shines through us as we reflect His love and grace to others.

Prayers

A Prayer for Today:

Glorious Father, I thank You for sending Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to bring the light of the truth into the world. Open the eyes and hearts of many to see Jesus as I and fellow believers see Him - our light and life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Luther’s Morning Prayer:

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

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A Song for Today