This post appeared first on Jacqueline’s Blog.
Lights! I’m just dying to have some of those round lights strung somewhere around my home. Everywhere! They are everywhere, I tell you! Inviting me in to nestle with my warm, fuzzy, turquoise and white polka dot throw, good book, cup of hot cocoa flavored with peppermint, and an ooey gooey fresh baked cookie, these lights simply beckon me to bask in the warm glow of God’s presence during any season of the year.
Well this year, I got myself some of those lights! Of course I have lights on my trees, and I have white lights draped around the garland that rests on my white picket fence. But now, now I have lights in my backyard covering my pergola. These lights make me so very happy, and they will be there all year long, not just during the Christmas season.
Light is an important word of Christmas.
Just as the lights on my pergola invite me to come and sit, so the light of Jesus’ presence invites me in to commune. Jesus came to brighten our dark, sinful world. His light was a gift on the very first Christmas, and His light is our gift everyday of the year.
The light of Jesus was prophesied in the Old Testament.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. – Isaiah 9:2
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6
Jesus declared that He was the light during His earthly ministry.
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12
Jesus proclaimed that His followers are to be light to others, and He commanded us to shine His light to a lost and dying world.
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:14-16
- How bright is God’s light in your life?
- Does Jesus light up your life?
- Are you shining the light of Jesus brightly to others or is your light dull and in need of power that can only be accessed as you plug in to God’s Word and prayer?
One of the reasons I’m so incredibly delighted about my pergola lights is that on a daily basis they remind me of the light of Jesus’ presence. They will shine brightly all year long. My prayer for you and for me, is that Christ’s light will shine brightly in us everyday of the year too!
What are some ways that you can shine God’s light into a lost and dying world? Here are a few ideas. I’d love to hear some of yours, as well.
- Invite someone who needs a bit of encouragement for coffee and just sit, listen, and pray with her.
- Get involved with a community outreach project.
- Plan a neighborhood gathering for women.
- Go on a mission trip this year.