O come, Thou Bright and Morning Star,
And bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
And turn our darkness into light.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel (8th or 9th century)
Latin: Germany (1710)
Listen to this modern version of this popular hymn/carol as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.
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Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below! It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.
We continue our journey through Advent with this ancient text which invokes several powerful images of Emmanuel and invites Him to come even as we rejoice. Let’s think about this.
Shadows
Shadows are interesting things. They don’t give you a lot of detail about the image which creates them, but they give you a general idea. They have no ability to alter the shape of the subject but can totally misrepresent the proportions. Depending on the source of light they can create an illusion that the subject is much larger than it actually is. Simply put shadows reveal truths about their subject.
But that’s not all.
In order for there to be a shadow there must be a source of light. That is encouraging because the very creation of a shadow demonstrates that the subject itself is not a source of light, but rather a potential reflector or blocker of it. I am thankful Jesus is the source, but frustrated with myself when I am more of a blocker that reflector.
When you think of the “shadows of night” the writer in referencing in the song what kinds of things come to mind? Weaknesses or willfulness, they can be unsightly. Thankfully we can ask Jesus to dispel them by simply being Himself, the light of the world.
Dispel the shadows of the night
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 ESV
We all face darkness both external and internal. The real difference is how we choose to deal with it. Jesus makes it clear He can help us dispel the shadows of night because He is the light of the world. This stanza reminds us that we need to ask Him to dispel it. Take a lesson from this simple prayer and put it into practice today.
RESONATE!
Ask Jesus to reveal the things that make you a better blocker than reflector. When He does, then ask Him to help you deal with them. He is glad to dispel the darkness in Your life, but you are going to have to draw near the light. Are you willing? Ask Jesus to dispel the shadows of the night.
Light
The best way to deal with darkness is to study the light.
People who want to identify counterfeit bills do not study counterfeits. They study real bills. When you know what a real bill should look like you are able to identify fakes.
The same is true with light and darkness. If you study the light, you will be able to identify darkness. Jesus has shined His light on you. Cn you identify it?
And turn our darkness into light.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. Isaiah 9:2 ESV
We are the people Isaiah prophesied would see the light. Jesus has appeared to us and has turned our darkness into light, but we sometimes act like we do not know it. Acknowledge your need of Him again today by asking Him to turn your darkness into light.
Jesus is so bright He can not only dispel shadows but can also turn our darkness into light, not simply pushing it away, but transforming it for His glory and our good. Name your darkness right now and ask Jesus to turn it into light. Believe He can do it, for He alone is the Bright and Morning Star.
Jesus, turn our darkness into light.
RESONATE!
Look to Jesus for light. When He grants it be willing to acknowledge your darkness. Ask Him to turn that darkness into light.
Jesus, thank You for not only dispelling darkness but turning my darkness into light. Do it again today and every day as you continue to transform my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Brightened Thinking!
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Podcast 24.4 Transcript
Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.
O come, Thou Bright and Morning Star,
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” Revelation 22:16 ESV
This is a name Jesus gave Himself which undoubtedly means He is glad to be called by it. He is no ordinary star, which varies in brightness, but is constant, always visible. We simply need eyes to see Him, looking for Him. Ask Jesus for the ability to always see Him.
And bring us comfort from afar!
The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. Revelation 22:17 ESV
In the next verse we various ones invite Jesus to come, as well as the one who needs Him. His presence and the light which emanates from it are the comfort we need. What pain are you experiencing today? Ask Jesus to comfort you with His bright presence.
Dispel the shadows of the night
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 ESV
We all face darkness both external and internal. The real difference is how we choose to deal with it. Jesus makes it clear He can help us dispel the shadows of night because He is the light of the world. Ask Jesus to push back the darkness in your heart and mind today.
And turn our darkness into light.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. Isaiah 9:2 ESV
We are the people Isaiah prophesied would see the light. Jesus has appeared to us and has turned our darkness into light, but we sometimes act like we do not know it. Acknowledge your need of Him again today by asking Him to turn your darkness into light.
Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more, with the refrain.
O come, Thou Bright and Morning Star,
And bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
And turn our darkness into light.
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond. Until next time, Be Resonant.
The post Looking on the Bright Side appeared first on Resonant 7.
Image Attribution
Dispel the Shadows of the Night – https://pixabay.com/photos/shadow-night-human-dark-mystical-647170/
And Turn our Darkness into Light – https://pixabay.com/photos/light-dark-pillow-city-night-4745317/
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