Today, thousands of pilgrims are walking the Via Dolorosa. This is the processional route in the Old City of Jerusalem, that Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion. The path to the cross was difficult and he was weak with suffering. It is marked by nine Stations of the Cross; with the remaining five stations being inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The week that started with people waving palms and singing as Jesus entered the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem ends in a kangaroo court sending Jesus into Roman hands for crucifixion. Many want to blame the Pharisees for Jesus dying on the cross. Others lay the blame on Pontius Pilate for making the final decision. This perspective forgets Jesus instructing Peter to put his sword away. Jesus reminds Peter that he could call down 12 legions of angels from heaven to stop his capture. Instead, Jesus lays his own life down for us.
In his captivity, Jesus is jailed, beaten, spat upon, tortured, marched to Golgotha, and crucified next to criminals. From the cross, Jesus makes provision for the care of his mother, cries out to God, forgives his killers, and shares with the penitent thief that those who believe in him will have a place in heaven.
When the soldiers confirm that Jesus is dead, his body is taken to a tomb. It is sealed and guarded by Roman soldiers. It seems that all is lost. The disciples are scattered. The promises of Jesus ring in their ears, but seem to fall silent. It will take time for all to see, but this will be the weekend that changes the world.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
The Light of the World
December 24, 2018 by John Potter
Today is Christmas Eve. Our day is focused on completing tasks, chores, and jobs before families and friends gather together. We are quick to make our homes ready. But there is an older Christian practice of making our hearts ready.
As the world waits to proclaim that Jesus is the Light of the World, let us prepare our hearts to receive the message of Jesus again. Though you have heard the songs and scripture verses before, let the truth and joy of the message change you. Hear the promise of God’s Messiah arriving on earth and let it change you. Imagine a gracious Savior coming to earth for you to be redeemed and let it change you.
Christians are called to be changed people. We are called to live in a way different than the world. But change only comes when we experience Jesus. Those who have experienced Him are no longer the same. We are called to be transformed and to be children of light. People who now live in the love that they have received from Christ. We are called to be this group. One who puts off the old self and puts on the new. A person transformed by the grace of Jesus. Someone who can never be the same because of Jesus.
Precious God, allow us to make our hearts ready. May we hear the message of Christmas and feel the joy and love of Jesus in our hearts. We were once in darkness. Now we live in the light. Allow us to be transformed people who follow after Jesus, the Light of the World.
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Posted in Christian Living, News & Commentary, Worship | Tagged advent, Christmas, Jesus, light of the world, prepare heart |