"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" By Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson: John 1:1-5

 December 1

​"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." - John 1:1-5 (RSV)

​December is a time of beginnings and endings whose name came from the Latin decem, meaning ten. It was originally the 10th month of the year in the Roman calendar which began in March. The Emperor Pompilius in 700 moved the beginning of the year from March when he added January and February. December then became the 12th and final month. December is a busy power packed month marking the end of one year and beginnings of another. It includes Advent Season, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. It is a month of transition including the darkest day of the year on the Winter solstice and the beginning of Winter. Yet the gospel of John says that darkness can never overcome God's light. Jesus Christ is the Creator of life, and his life brings light to our life and world.

The Anglo-Saxons called December ‘Giuli’ or Yules which is the origin of "Yule Tide" celebrations in Advent and the Christmas season. "Advent" is from the Latin adventus meaning “coming” or “visitation". It begins four Sundays before Christmas, ends Christmas Eve, and is the beginning of the liturgical year for Christians. During Advent, we are called to prepare for and seek the coming of Christ anew in our hearts and minds. We not only celebrate the historical coming of Jesus but acknowledge our own need for a Messiah and longing for rebirth, forgiveness, salvation, and new beginnings. Even as we look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem, we also look forward to the second coming of Christ as he is reborn in our hearts and lives. As you embrace December this year, open your heart to the possibilities of new beginnings and unexpected miracles in your own life and family. You won't be disappointed! The light of Christ still shines brighter than any darkness, difficulty, or holiday stress.

​Prayer: God, Grant your light in dark December days. Amen.

​Meditation For The Day: The Word of Christ brings eternal light!

​Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)