A Word in the Night of our Life

Advent III – Third Sunday of Advent

One of the themes of the Bible is how God breaks into the night to bring a message or an intervention that will change people’s lives and sometimes change history.

Here a few of those moments:

God calls a young man to be his prophetic voice – I Samuel 3.

David recalls God coming to him during his night – Psalm 42.

We should not be surprised that God shows up at night to some shepherds on the Galilean hillsides:

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”” (Luke 2:8-14).

When God shows up at night, it is a night to remember.

When God shows up at night, God brings a message of comfort: “Do not be afraid!”

When God shows up at night, God brings Good News of joy.

When God shows up at night, God brings a Word of fulfilled hope.

When God shows up at night, God brings salvation.

Whatever dark night you are living in right now, God will to show up.

Ronald Friesen © 2015