“Star of wonder, star of night, Guide us to thy perfect light…” As we eagerly await Christmas, look up to the stars. Get lost in the wonder and pray to the One who created them. Each day in Advent, enjoy a reflection from a Saint Luke friend, as they too look up to the sky and ponder the names used in the Bible for Jesus. May their reflections be a gift to you this Christmas as we seek God together.
Today’s reflection is from Claire Luce. Claire along with her late husband, Steve, and then toddler, Emily became members of Saint Luke in late 2002. Through some very happy times and unbelievable heartache Saint Luke has been a constant. She has been involved in Sunday/Vacation Bible School, Stephen Ministries, Welcome Center to name a few. Claire feels truly blessed to be a part of the Saint Luke family.
MESSIAH
“He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, 'We have found the Messiah' (which means Christ.)” -John 1:41
In the 1st chapter of John, we read that Jesus has recruited two disciples. John is very user-friendly to his readers as he takes the time to explain Jewish customs and vernacular. He translates "Messiah" into the "Anointed One." John and Andrew are charged with the mission of following Jesus, to whom Andrew's brother, Simon, then meets.
I am intrigued by the idea of "meeting" Jesus. I believe in prayer, have witnessed what I believe to be miracles and feel that I have a deep sense of faith. However, I struggle with the one-sided relationship I believe I have with the Messiah. I have heard countless stories of God-sightings, conversations with our Lord, people stating that they have felt Jesus' presence.
I have never had what I consider a conversation with Jesus. Never saw him with my own eyes, heard his voice, broke bread with him. Yet, I believe. I believe in Jesus Christ our Lord, the true Messiah. My relationship exists on hearsay, both written and preached. It is unlike any relationship I have ever had, yet it is real, comforting, enriching and daunting. It is challenging and often frustrating. I have questions that go unanswered. Why does He come to others in dreams? Why can I not "feel" the presence of the Messiah? The simple answer: faith. It defies logic and my humble understanding, but I believe. In my own way, I meet the Messiah every day. Thanks be to God!
Dear God, Thank you for sending your only son, Jesus, to our lives and all of the lives that have gone before. By his precious blood a sinner such as I am saved and, though unworthy, am welcomed into Your eternal kingdom. Praise your name and praise Jesus, in Whose name I faithfully pray. Amen