It only takes a spark…

“It only takes a spark to get a fire going.”

These are the words of the song, “Pass it On,” that have been running through my mind for the last few days. It is an old song I learned in youth group years ago. As I reflect on the words, I sense some lesson here I have yet to learn.

“It only takes a spark to get a fire going and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing.”

As we transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas, we find ourselves in Advent. Officially, Advent is the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. The word ‘advent’ comes from the Latin root meaning “coming” but can also be defined as “in preparation or anticipation of.” As Christians, Jesus is our spark. He is our hope and Advent is our time to remember, prepare and anticipate the fullness of our Savior.

This is the Advent of the past, the present and the future. 

The Advent of the past reminds us of the coming of the babe in a manger. Isaiah 7:14 NIV reads, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Even as Mary prepared to birth the Lord of Lords, God was already becoming Immanuel to her. Once born, He would then become “God with us” to the rest of the world.

Remember the birth of Jesus. Read Isaiah 9:2, 6-7, reflecting on Christ’s light.

“The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned. For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.

The Advent of the present

As we move from remembering Jesus to embracing Immanuel, we realize God is that spark living in each of us. Jesus tells us, “I am the light of the world.Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Acknowledging Jesus as the Lord of our lives, ignites that spark.

Jesus reassures us, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

The advent of the present helps us prepare our hearts for Jesus. Once we experience God’s love, that spark is lit. We, therefore, want to share it with others.

“It only takes a spark to get a fire glowing and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing. That’s how it is with God’s love, once you’ve experienced it, You spread His love to everyone, You want to pass it on.”

Just as we remember the birth of Jesus and how he became our Immanuel, today Christ ignites that spark, causing us to become the light of the world.

The Advent of the future

The Advent of the future reminds us Jesus will come again. He is our future hope. Philippians 3:20 NLT says, “we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.” Psalm 39:7reads, “Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.” Billy Graham said, “For the believer there is hope beyond the grave because Jesus Christ has opened the door to heaven for us by His death and resurrection.” 

As we enter into Advent, let us anticipate all there is of Jesus; the past, the present and the future. Remembering the baby as our Immanuel, let us embrace that spark and become the light of the world. Then, we may go forth spreading God’s love to all people.

Let us pray;

God of all that is, ignite in me the love of Christ so that I may be the light of the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen. -M