NOVEMBER 28, 2005

CHRISTMAS REVIVAL
by Pastor George Van Alstine

“The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who live in a land of deep darkness
—on them light has shined.”
(Isaiah 9:2)

These words were written by the prophet Isaiah hundreds of years before they were fulfilled in Jesus’ coming:
“For unto us a child is born,
to us a Son is given;
And he shall be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.”
(verse 6)

Isaiah captured the revolutionary implications of the coming Messiah’s birth. He saw that through this pivotal event people would turn from deep darkness to glorious light.

Each Christmas we re-enact Jesus’ birth and feel again its impact. And every year as we do this, Isaiah’s words come as a challenge for us, as individual believers in AD 2005, to turn again from darkness to light. The radical act of God in sending his Son has the power to inspire us to take radical steps toward renewal in our lives.

I encourage you to begin this Advent season by asking God for a revival in your life:

• A revival in your faith, as you face once again the central Fact of Christianity, the Lord Jesus, and his impact on your life.
• A revival in your relationships, as you repair broken connections with family members and others you may have hurt or been hurt by.
• A revival in your commitments, as you take an inventory of where your time and energy have been invested and make necessary course corrections.

The Christmas message brings a shaft light into our lives that reaches even the darkest corners. The “Christmas spirit” we all seem to experience during this season doesn’t have to be transitory. It can stay with you, becoming part of your transformed nature—if you experience revival this Christmas.

• You can have a more vibrant faith, resulting in a life that glorifies Jesus.
• You can experience renewal in your closest relationships as you become a channel for his love.
• You can make radical changes in your commitments, using the precious hours of your life in a way that honors him.

Expose yourself to the light of Christmas revival.