“Star of wonder, star of night, Guide us to thy perfect light…” As we eagerly await Christmas, look up to the stars. Get lost in the wonder and pray to the One who created them. Each day in Advent, enjoy a reflection from a Saint Luke friend, as they too look up to the sky and ponder the names used in the Bible for Jesus. May their reflections be a gift to you this Christmas as we seek God together.

Today’s reflection is from Dona Redmond. She has been a member since 6th grade (1975) and currently serves as Assistant Treasurer for Receipts.

aLPHA & OMEGA

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” -Revelation 1:8

The Advent Season marks the beginning of the church year, yet it occurs at the end of our calendar year. As I contemplate the name for Jesus, Alpha and Omega, that is significant. We begin our church year awaiting the birth of Jesus, while we end our calendar year with numerous types of reviews, both the best and the worst. We then approach the coming calendar year with the mindset of a fresh start.

I am reminded of the beginning of the scriptures in most bibles: “In the beginning, God created…”. When I taught 1st and 2nd grade Sunday School, a newer children’s bible paraphrased Genesis 1:1 as: “Before there was anything, there was God.”

That unique wording resonated with me. It put the emphasis on the infinite nature of the Lord God: who is, and who was, and who is to come. He sent us his Son Jesus, to walk with us always, at our beginning, throughout our time on earth, and our heavenly time. Jesus is Alpha and Omega.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of Jesus. Help us to live our lives to honor him, our Alpha and Omega. Amen.