He is Life.

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind” (John 1:4 NIV).

My beginning was in the middle or maybe even at the end. Before I came, there already was. After me, there will be.

I’m part of a bigger picture. Of everything. The flow of God’s plan. Such is our life from an eternal perspective, when our viewpoint broadens, and our thoughts move to consider all of time and space. We can see how God's care for us is far more extensive than we may perceive in our everyday life.

John writes, “In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind” (John 1:4). God's eternity also includes yours and mine now, which gives us the firm, life-fulfilling starting point we need for each day. But it is also bigger than we can ever calculate or understand. Never-ending. Limitless.

In Jesus, God comes close to “all mankind”. In all different settings, circumstances, cultures, situations or times He becomes Life. For everyone. Because “his love endures forever” (1 Chronicles 16:32).

In different parts of the world, we may observe different Advent traditions. In my Swedish culture, the third Sunday in Advent is all about John the Baptist and the message of the coming Christ. A voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him“ (Luke 3:4).

And I think of the “wilderness“ in my own society and neighbourhoods, where people during this sometimes stressful Advent time need to hear that there is Life… in its fullness… for everyone, including the people we don’t understand or even like. The Light of all mankind: Jesus. And I feel the urge to go to “the wilderness” around the corner where people are desperate for some light in the tunnel and share the news, to tell the greatest story of life, hope, meaning and purpose given to us in Jesus. An eternal message. For every generation.

For reflection:

In what way do I embrace the Life of Jesus in my personal situation? Is there anything I want to be different, and if so, what is my plan to achieve it?

Prayer:

God, I feel quite giddy. Do you really mean your forgiveness is eternal? Your comfort limitless? Your responsiveness and your patience inexhaustible? I stand speechless with wonder. Am I a part (albeit less than a microscopic part, but still a fully loved and accepted part) of the eternity you, God, at this moment, are in the process of achieving? I’m dizzy with gratitude! Help me to find a way to share this great news with someone today. Help me to find my place in “the wilderness” to prepare way for you!

Amen