Head of Christ. Rembrandt, 1648.
Faith, hope, joy, love; all of this is embodied in the relationship I have with God though our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of light, joy, peace and strong heartedness. My strong tower and my Savior. He died for us, He is risen and He is our present and eternal inheritance.
Sin
Our hearts are darkened, like charred remains. In thought, word and deed we drift, bend towards and take pleasure in evil. Where did it come from? We blame our parents for giving us corrupt hearts; they blame their parents for what they inherited and what it turned them into. Blame stretches back through the generations, until all are to blame, all of humanity, all of our fathers; all are to blame but no-one is responsible. No-one mired in this human predicament has the power to lift us from the curse.
Jesus Christ
Chi Rho page from the Book of Kells
Once, a teacher taught us the Greek Tragedy of Electra; Electra takes vengeance against her treacherous mother and step father, for the death of her father. The teacher said, “Hamlet suffered heartbreak and guilt after causing death, Electra was triumphant. What changed the culture between Electra and Hamlet?” I didn’t know. Her answer was Jesus Christ; He changed us regarding guilt and righteousness.
That’s an extraordinary achievement for someone who didn’t exist according to some, was an ordinary man, who had no home or repute and died in the ordinary way with no hope of return. To establish a kingdom in the hearts and minds of generations to come, such that we are who we are because of Him. I believe Jesus is who He said He was – He was incarnated Son of God. His death paid the price for our sins, His resurrection brought us life eternal; freedom from the snare of sin.
Knowing God
God is not just the light, which changes, He is the Father of Lights. Constant, unchanging light. Holy. He enters into our lives like the light of dawn illuminating the morning. He seeps in chasing shadows, brightening the dark spaces. If we confess our sins to Him he is faithful and just to forgive us. Through confession we know that He is merciful, just, gracious and it is truly God’s kindness that leads to repentance. I praise God and thank Him that He granted me this wonderful gift; the forgiveness of sins.
Note: The views expressed in this blog represent my personal thoughts and reflections.
“Heavenly Father. Thank you for the light of life, the gracious gifts of peace, joy, love, and Holiness. Grant that we grow in wisdom, discernment, knowledge and love of you. Thank you for your incarnation into this world of darkness and suffering. Thank you for the sacredness of life and creation. Amen.”
In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. John 1: 4.
Father of Lights 117 