A Thrill of Hope - Week 2
The story of the birth of Jesus contains the story of the birth of another character, Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist. John’s role is unique in the story. In the story of Jesus, John comes to say that “Things really are this bad, and we can’t heal or save ourselves; things really are this dark – nevertheless, there is hope.” John’s message - and indeed the message of Christmas is echoed in the familiar words of the prophet Isaiah that “on those living in the land of shadow a light has dawned.” John's unique message to us about Jesus is challenging. This "saving" light is NOT from someone within the world, but rather, this light comes from somewhere else, outside of this world. This light is Jesus, who has come from somewhere else to save us.
