Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

John 1:9–14

Last night marked the final night of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights—a celebration that began over two thousand years ago when a small group of faithful people reclaimed God’s temple, relit the menorah, and witnessed a flame that lasted far longer than anyone expected. That story reminds us of something essential: God preserves His light. He protects it. He sustains it, even when darkness seems overwhelming.

Advent calls us to look forward to the fulfillment of that promise—the arrival of Jesus, the true Light of the world. When God’s light breaks into the ordinary, the hidden, the broken, the overlooked, everything changes.

And the truth is, light fully revealed doesn’t just shine in Bethlehem. It shines in your life today.

God Preserves Light Before It Is Fully Seen

The Hanukkah story wasn’t just a military victory. It was spiritual—a reminder that God’s covenant people would not be extinguished. Even when evil seemed to surround them, God sustained a small flame that kept His plan alive. The oil lasted eight nights, not because of human strength, but because God was faithful.

In John 1:9–10, we read:

“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him.”

The world may not recognize His light at first. Sometimes the light is preserved quietly, faithfully, in ways we cannot yet fully see. But God is always at work, sustaining what will eventually illuminate everything.

Your life may feel like a dark place right now. Maybe you’ve endured struggles, disappointment, or loss this year. But God has been faithful in ways you may not have noticed—the small victories, the answered prayers, the moments of grace that sustained you. Just like the oil in the temple, His light has been preserved for a reason.

Advent Points Forward to the Fulfillment of Promise

Advent is the season of anticipation. It reminds us that God keeps His promises and fulfills them in His timing. The preserved light of Israel during Hanukkah was a precursor to the ultimate revelation—the coming of Jesus.

John 1:4–5 tells us:

“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.”

God’s light cannot be overcome by the darkness of oppression, fear, or uncertainty. It will shine, fully and brilliantly, at the appointed time.

Advent invites us to reflect on that promise. It invites us to trust that God’s light, even when faint or hidden, is never extinguished. And that same light that broke into the world over two thousand years ago is breaking into your life now.

Light Revealed in Unexpected Places

The first people to encounter Jesus were ordinary shepherds, living ordinary lives. Yet God chose them as the first witnesses of the ultimate Light.

Luke 2:9–10 says:

“And 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; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’”

God often reveals His light in ways we don’t expect. In the mundane routines, the quiet moments, or even through struggles we thought would consume us.

This week, as Hanukkah concludes and Advent points us toward Christmas, take a moment to consider: Where has God revealed His light in your ordinary life? In what small, faithful ways has His light sustained you this year?

Reflecting on God’s Faithfulness

Light fully revealed also invites reflection. Think about the ways God has been faithful to you over the past months. Maybe He provided peace in anxiety, strength in weakness, or clarity in confusion. Maybe He reminded you of His presence through a friend, a Scripture, or a quiet moment of prayer.

Psalm 119:105 says:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

The light of God’s Word sustains, guides, and reminds us of His faithfulness. When we reflect on that light, even the darkest moments of the year are transformed into proof of God’s sustaining presence.

Living as People of Light

The story of Hanukkah and Advent challenges us to be carriers of light. Just as God preserved His light and revealed it through Jesus, we are called to let His light shine through us.

Matthew 5:14–16 reminds us:

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Our lives can reflect the same faithful light. Through acts of kindness, encouragement, and obedience, God’s light is made visible. Sometimes the impact is immediate; sometimes it’s quiet, like the oil burning through the night. Either way, God’s light works in and through you.

6. Anticipating the Full Light of Christmas

The culmination of both Hanukkah and Advent is the same: God’s light fully revealed in Jesus Christ. The preserved flame, the anticipation, the ordinary lives intersecting with the extraordinary—all point to Him.

This Christmas, let that reality sink in: The Light of the world has come. He has broken into the ordinary. He has overcome darkness. He has preserved His people and His promises.

And that same Light lives in you, sustaining hope, guiding your path, and offering joy that cannot be overcome.

Take a moment today to reflect. Celebrate. Remember. And prepare your heart for the fullness of God’s light, revealed not just in a manger, but in the ordinary moments of your own life.

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Prayer

Lord, thank You for preserving Your light throughout history and in my life. Help me to recognize Your faithfulness, even in small or hidden ways. Let Your light shine through me, sustaining hope and revealing Your glory. Amen.