Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Saint Andrew  – The Apostle Day

John 1:1-5
Verses of Focus: “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[a] it.    – John 1:4-5

In preparation for this devotion, I’ll be honest I did not know much about the observance of St. Andrew’s Day as the selected theme for today’s meditation. Many Eastern Orthodox churches observe this as well as the Nativity Fast/Lent of 40 days before Christmas. Aug 30th is known specifically as Apostle’s Day or St, Andrews Day. Some background on Andrew is that he was the first apostle called by Jesus, who then calls to his brother Peter to come to follow Jesus as well. Of course, many of us know that Peter would be the rock upon which the Lord builds the church, which jumpstarts the global movement of the Christian faith. For our reading today, let’s focus on what spurred the message and the reason why we celebrate this holiday season. 
    In the 1st chapter of the gospel of John, John establishes the nature and power of God in time. Our scripture or the Word was established since the beginning of time and is Jesus himself. Our Bible is not simply a pile of writings for good advice or just a historical book, it is an incarnation of the spirit of God passed down by the first believers. The third verse establishes his authority and dominion over all of our creation. For our two verses of focus, we see the hope and heart of the gospel. In Jesus, the word and truth, there was both life and light that overcomes the darkness and brokenness we see in this world. Where I take to heart is that last part of verse 5, which says the darkness has NOT overcome it. Jesus and his sacrifice is our salvation in the difficulties and pain we face and though times may feel steep and difficult, it has not nor will overcome our hope that is Jesus. 
    We observe Apostle’s Day as Andrew is the first established Apostle we see in the other 3 synoptic gospels. John the Baptist was the forerunner before the apostles who prophesied the Messiah as we read later in the chapter. The nation of Israel had not seen the prosperity of the past they yearned for a rise and glory away from Rome. The message of John and the ministry of Andrew and the other apostles pointed towards Jesus being the light in which we have life and our hope in times of pain. Jesus was the final sacrifice and salvation from the sin that overcame the world. Many of us may be going through difficult times this holiday season, so I pray you to take heart in that no darkness has overcome Christ and you take faith in He who cares for you immeasurably enough to give His life. May we be like Andrew and call others to follow the light and life that saves. Blessings to you all. 

 

Prayer
Lord, I pray that we never forget that you are the hope that has been here from the beginning, and shine greater than any darkness that we face. May we call others to follow you just as your servant Andrew did and may we fall in love with you more deeply each day. - Amen

Thought for the Day
In what way do I need to prioritize the light that is Christ in my life and fight the darkness that feels overwhelming?


Arun Chacko
            The Mar Thoma Church Staten Island

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