The Light of Life

A Season of Anticipation

As the year draws to a close, many of us find ourselves enveloped in the hustle of holiday traditions. Yet, this season, Advent, calls us to pause and remember. Advent isn’t just a countdown to Christmas; it’s a time to reflect on the miraculous arrival of Immanuel—God with us. This moment of reflection is a powerful reminder of hope, peace, love, and joy brought to us through Christ. Just as candles brighten the darkness with each passing week, so does the anticipation of His coming illuminate the path of our hearts. It’s a promise fulfilled in the past and a hope for the future when all things will be made new.

Light in the Darkness

Imagine a day so bright it feels like summer, yet your heart feels as dark as a moonless night. This was the reality for the people of ancient Israel. They once thrived under God’s blessings but found themselves in spiritual darkness after turning away from Him. Isaiah’s prophecy spoke of a Savior—a great light for those dwelling in deep darkness. And then, the light came! The birth of Jesus fulfilled this prophecy, bringing life and hope not just to Israel but to the entire world. As John wrote, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” This light—Jesus—brings true life, pushing back the shadows of despair and revealing the path to freedom.

Life Found in the Light

Many of us spend our lives chasing something more—fulfillment, joy, or peace—but often come up short. The birth of Christ is not just an historical event; it’s a personal invitation to step into the light and experience life to the fullest. When Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world,” He offered more than illumination; He offered transformation. His light reveals our flaws, our struggles, and our need for Him. But it also points us toward hope, peace, love, and joy. These gifts are not distant promises; they are available now for those walking in relationship with Him. The light of Christ shines into our darkest places, not to condemn but to lead us into abundant life.

An Invitation to Abundance

Too often, we settle for half-measures, living a “half-life” rather than embracing the fullness God offers. But in Christ, there is an abundance—not of material wealth but of spiritual richness. This is the beauty of life in the light. The same Jesus who came as a baby to push back the darkness will one day return in glory. In that day, there will be no more night, no more need for the sun or a lamp, for God Himself will be our light forever. Until then, the invitation remains: step into the light and experience the fullness of life in Christ. Let this season be a reminder of the great light that came into the world and the life it offers to all who believe.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director

The Prince of Peace

A World in Need of True Peace

The world around us often feels like a storm-ravaged house, broken and in desperate need of restoration. Headlines scream about moral decay, conflict, and suffering. These realities reveal our deep need for something far greater than what human effort can provide, something like “peace.” Biblical peace, often referred to as shalom, isn't just the absence of conflict; it's the presence of wholeness, flourishing, and harmony. It's the complete restoration of what is broken.

This is the peace promised by Isaiah—a peace that surpasses our limited understanding. Through the prophecy of a coming King, a "Prince of Peace," God offers hope for a kingdom of justice and righteousness that will know no end. In Christ, this prophecy is fulfilled. Jesus doesn’t just bring peace; He is peace.

The Depth of Christ's Peace

In Ephesians 2:11-18, Paul explains how Jesus bridges the divide between humanity and God, as well as between people themselves. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus dismantled hostility and offered reconciliation. His peace is not superficial; it restores our relationship with God and makes us whole, both spiritually and relationally.

This wholeness reflects God's original design for creation—a complex masterpiece where every piece fits perfectly. Yet, sin broke this design, leaving our lives fragmented. Whether it's fractured relationships, inner turmoil, or societal division, the peace of Christ reaches into every crevice of our brokenness to bring restoration.

Living in Peace with God and Others

To experience this peace, we must first reconcile with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 reminds us, "Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This isn't earned through merit but given freely by grace.

But peace with God doesn’t end with us. As followers of Jesus, we are called to extend this peace to others. This means forgiving those who wrong us, pursuing harmony in our homes and communities, and seeking reconciliation wherever relationships are broken. It’s not an easy task, but it’s one that reflects the heart of the Prince of Peace.

Building a Life of Peace

Living in the peace of Christ requires intentionality. It begins with saturating our minds with Scripture, which transforms our thoughts and aligns our desires with God's will. Psalm 119:165 declares, "Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble."

Prayer is another cornerstone of peace. Philippians 4:6-7 invites us to bring every anxiety to God, promising that His peace will guard our hearts and minds. When we trust Him with our burdens, we experience a calm that transcends human understanding.

Finally, we must embrace our role as peacemakers. Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). Whether it's restoring a friendship, resolving workplace conflict, or bringing comfort to someone in distress, our actions can reflect the transformative peace of Christ.

The peace Jesus offers is not fleeting or fragile; it is eternal and transformative. As we live under His reign, we not only experience His peace but also become vessels of it to a world in desperate need. Let His peace rule in your heart today, and may it overflow to those around you.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director