A guide to Christmas: LIGHT | Dec 29 - Jan 6

Week five comes during the 12-day season of Christmas. We light the Christ candle and think about the LIGHT of the Gospel.

Read aloud or meditate on this week’s Scripture Reading each time you light all five Advent candles this week. Fill your home or car with music from this week’s playlists. And scroll down for ideas for actively observing and expressing LIGHT this week.

 

Week five Scripture Reading

- The Word of the Lord from John 1 -

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

- and from Isaiah 60 -

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

- and from Revelation 21 -

The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.

 

ideas for observing & expressing LIGHT this week

  • Consider leaving some of your Christmas decorations up through the entire 12 day season. One creative way to emphasize light is to remove ornaments from your tree, but leave the lights in place to shine in simple contrast to the branches. You might also choose to light more candles, more often, expressing a silent prayer of thanksgiving to God for the light of Christ.

  • Take an after-dark drive before seasonal lights get put away in neighborhoods. Notice and celebrate each display, as though you are seeing it for the first time.

  • Do practical things that share physical light with others. Is there someone in our church who would be blessed by the anonymous paying of their electric bill? Beyond our church doors, your household could meet needs in our community through our ministry partner, We Care, which manages a program called "Warm Neighbors," helping keep the lights and heat on for people who are struggling. Click here to find out more about the program or make a donation.

  • Do practical things that share spiritual light with others. Who do you know that needs to hear the Gospel? Take action and tell them about Christ.

  • Continue to celebrate Christmas through the sounds, smells, and sights of the season. Bake special treats; give small gifts; listen to Christmas music.

  • Come to our WPC Epiphany Party, Gifts for the King, on January 5 at 5 PM. Epiphany celebrates the Gospel for all nations, and we throw a big party for the whole church family to close the Christmas season.

light-Filled music

Listen to songs of LIGHT throughout the week.